Statements from the families of the four victims of the alleged American serial killer in Calgary.

The families of four Calgary women believed to be the victims of a serial killer from the United States released statements at a news conference in Edmonton Friday honoring their loved ones and thanking investigators. Eva Dvorak, 14; Patricia McQueen, 14; Melissa Rehorek, 20; and Barbara McLean, 19, were identified as victims of Gary Allen Sreary in the 1970s. Each family has released a statement to police, thanking them for the closure and the identification of a suspect in their deaths. The McQueen family fondly remembers their sister Patsy, who was described as a typical teenager full of life, adventure and curiosity. They express their love and grief for their sisters, and thank investigators for never giving up on the case for answers after 48 years of uncertainty.

The McQueen family remembers Patsy's love of sports, music, singing and dancing, as well as her strength and independence in her youth. They are surprised that she lived and express their love and longing for their sisters. The Dvorak family was also shut out of the news about the murder of 14-year-old Eva. They will remember Eva's bright smile, bubbly personality, love of dancing and singing, and the love and affection of her family and friends. The Rehorek family said Melissa was a fun-loving, adventurous and hard-working person who loved the outdoors and traveling to Banff. The McLean family expressed their continued pain at the tragic loss of Barbara and their relief at receiving answers after nearly 50 years.

McLean's family expressed their condolences to other families, acknowledging the common bond of grief, sorrow and suffering over the years. They expressed hope that thanks to police agencies' relentless pursuit of justice and advances in forensic genetic genealogy, families will find peace in the future. Superintendent David Hall of the Alberta RCMP's Serious Crimes Unit noted that the group has been searching for 40 years to identify criminals and provide answers to their families. He acknowledged that identifying the perpetrator would not bring back the victims, but it would help families understand what happened to their loved ones.

The families have requested privacy and have asked not to be contacted for further information or comment at this difficult time. They expressed gratitude for the closure and answers given by investigators and hoped for peace in the coming days. The families thanked investigators for their dedication and perseverance in solving the case after decades of uncertainty and grief. Families paid tribute to their loved ones with heartfelt speeches, remembering their lives, personalities and dreams that were tragically cut short by a serial killer. Despite the grief and loss, families have found solace in hearing the fate of their loved ones after years of waiting.