"Tuesday was a very dark day for our Rocklin community. On behalf of the Rocklin Police Department, I send our heartfelt condolences to the victim's family. Words cannot adequately express our deep sorrow for all involved."
"I broke down in tears. It's really sad. It hits close to home."
When police arrived on the scene, Wood's 14-year-old brother ran a mile into a field before officers caught up with him and arrested him for the crime.
Wood's coach, Lisa Porch, describing Ashley as a talented gymnast and a fierce competitor who was loved by her teammates, said the young girl's untimely death has rocked everyone who knew her. She said that Wood had a lot of potential and a wonderful career in front of her.
According to KOVR-TV, in her elementary school yearbook, Ashley wrote that in 10 years, she would "be in the Olympics doing gymnastics," a dream shared by her friends and family members.
While it is not yet sufficiently clear why the 14-year-old allegedly killed his sister, Rocklin Police Capt. Lon Milka told reporters that investigators had examined evidence found in the bedroom, living room, and an area under the home, implying that Ashley might have been involved in a scuffle before her brother -- perhaps unintentionally -- fatally hit her with a blunt object. The police declined to confirm what weapon was used to kill the young girl.
As can be expected, the 13-year-old's death under mysterious circumstances has left the entire community shocked, and parents in the neighborhood are left looking for explanations.
Gurkin, who also has a daughter and who was familiar with Ashley Wood, said that she had no other option but to tell her daughter about what she knew about the tragic incident.
"It's a difficult situation. It's something you don't think you'll ever talk to your child about. I just needed to be honest with her and tell her what's going."
