KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Danishka Melina Sibaja Mejía is remembered by loved ones as a vibrant 22-year-old woman. Knoxville Police Department said she was found dead not long after reporting she was a victim of sexual assault.
Family and friends of Mejía remember her for her charisma, happiness and the smile that lit up every room she entered.
"She enjoyed her life, she was fun and crazy in the best way possible," said Sebastián Mejías, a loved one of Danishka Mejía.
Sebastián Mejías knows that from first-hand experience. The two grew up together in Costa Rica. They became cousins not by blood but by their family's strong bonds.
"Danishka came to make us happy," he said. "She was like a sister, the sister I never had. My bloodline sister I never had."
Sebastián and Danishka are only three years apart. She's been in Sebastián's life as long as he can remember.
"She always made our day, she made them better," Mejías said.
Danishka attended Carter High School. There she played volleyball and sported the number 20. Loved ones said she had her heart between two countries, the U.S. and her motherland.
She moved to Costa Rica at 16 years old. That's where she finished high school and lived with Sebastián and his family.
"She missed her friends from Tennessee a lot," he said.
It was Friday, April 5th when the loved ones of Danishka received a call that would forever change their lives.
"I received a message from my mom the morning of to call her when I woke up. I immediately had a bad feeling," he said.
A day before Danishka's death, Sebastián said he saw her one last time in his sleep.
"The night before I dreamt about Danishka. My friends say to take as her passing by to say 'goodbye' one last time," he said.
For her loved ones the journey towards justice is just beginning.
"What we are asking for is justice for Dani," he said.
He said because of the public's donation and support, Danishka's family will travel to Costa Rica with her remains. They will honor her life in her home country.
The three male suspects in connection to her death are due in court on Friday, April 19th. The judge will read the charges against the suspects. The suspects will plead to the charge and the judge will set their bail