DURHAM — A week ago, Sarah Pekrul's family was stunned to learn she had been murdered, most probably at home. Now they are staying elsewhere, while they look for a more permanent place to live.

The mobile home in which 17-year-old Sarah lived sheltered members of her own family and another family as well.

Because the families are worried that evidence critical to the investigation is still inside the home, they have moved out.

So both families, with six children, have shifted to one motel room.

Sarah Pekrul's mother, Carolyn Furnia, says she hopes to stay in Orange County, so the other children can continue in school.

"It's the first time in my life I don't have a place to live," Furnia said. She also discussed her conflicting emotions -- wanting and needing to grieve for the loss of her daughter, and also having to go on for the sake of the younger children.

Investigators believe Sarah Pekrul was attacked in the mobile home, and possibly murdered there. Her body was found in the trunk of her car less than 24 hours later in a rural area of Durham, near Duke Forest. It was wrapped in a comforter and carpeting. Her uncle has been charged with the crime.

So far, the county crisis team has been unable to find them housing. To give the family a hand, call 919-644-7997, and ask for the Furnia family.