Bethany Murder Victim Laid To Rest

Dana Hertneky, News 9

MUSTANG, Oklahoma -- Carina Saunders' friends and family members laid the 19-year old to rest today.

Pastor Steve Cowan who conducted the service told News 9 with the family searching for answers he wanted to give them a trace of hope in God's love.

"I think God was there today in a powerful way," said Cowan.

The Mustang church was filled with more friends and family than it could hold. All there to remember the life of Carina Saunders which ended tragically.

"A vicious crime like this, you know all of her friends, family, everybody, they're angry, upset, they don't have the answers," said Cowan.

Cowan conducted the difficult service that, at times, even brought him to tears.

"I've got a little girl at home and so you get overwhelmed," said Cowan. "You get overwhelmed just thinking about, God forbid, if I would ever have to bury my own child."

Saunders' mother has been a part of Cowan's small Mustang church since it formed two years ago. He's been ministering to her ever since Saunders' dismembered body was found last week.

"She specifically told us I'm not going to give up; I'm not going to give up on God,"

Cowan said it wasn't even a month ago that Carina sat in his sanctuary for services and filled out a card. On the back, Carina marked the space that says "I made the decision to give my life to Jesus today".

Cowan told Carina's family to hold on to that right now.

"That helps," he said. "At least it gives a little more peace to a mom and a dad when you know your eternity's secure like that."

Cowan also said Sander's mother wanted everyone to know that she is overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and well wishes.

Cowan also today offered to give away free bibles, and he says a couple people came up and took him up on the offer.