The body of 34-year-old Julia Moniz was found in the Tujunga Wash in Los Angeles County on Oct. 17, 2015. Almost two years later, the Los Angeles Police Department says they're not exactly sure how she died.
The Moniz family is still mourning the death of a mother of two young girls who will never again be held like only a mother can.
"It breaks my heart. It's really sad," one of the victim's sisters, Emily Moniz, said.
Detective Kenneth White with the LAPD's Valley Bureau said that police have been "getting different stories."
"So we're here now in order to get the truth," White said.
Julia's family doesn't disregard her drug habit.
"We're not doubting that. We are pretty sure that's the only reason she would've been here," Sarah Moniz, Julia's sister, said.
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But what they can't get past is stories that they've heard from transients who lived nearby.
Sarah Moniz recounted one tale saying that Julia was beaten to death.
LAPD admits the death is suspicious. Toxicology tests proved she had meth in her system, but because the body was left for so long, there's no way to tell if she wasn't beaten up as well.
"I think she was beat up. I think someone forced her to take drugs. She had money on her. I think that might have been another motivation," Emily Moniz said.
For her family, they wish people would have known her infectious smile and the way she lived. Not the way she died.
"There's a hole in our family now, losing her," Sarah Moniz said.
White is asking for the public's help in solving the mystery surrounding Julia's death.
"We're seeking the truth," he said. "We need some help."
On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles City Council approved a $50,000 reward for information in the case. The family says that was the first time they felt someone truly cared about Julia.
