The Province 

A friend of the Kahlon family gave a statement this morning to communicate the family's grief over the murder of North Delta toddler Rajvinder Kahlon, who died on Friday.

The statement, released by e-mail said everyone is devastated by the girl's death.

"Her mother is extremely and understandably distraught at what has taken place with her family."

"Her little girl was vibrant and precious," the statement said.

The e-mails asks that the media refrain from "speculations" about the case. "Please respect that we are grieving."

The girl's father,  Lakhvinder Kahlon, 47, has been charged with first-degree murder.

He is scheduled to appear in court later today.