'No One Plans To Bury Their Baby:' Slain Lower Bucks Teen's Family

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA —The parents of the woman stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend in Lower Makefield Township last Friday are speaking out about the tragedy.

Jeanie and Rober Millward, the parents of Jaden Kylie Battista, created a GoFundMe page on Tuesday in memory of her 19-year-old daughter. The GoFundMe page has raised more than $5,500 of its $5,000 goal.

"Our daughter was tragically murdered on Friday," her mother said on the GoFundMe page. "I don’t know how to describe her loss in a few short sentences. She touched and saved so many, including myself. Her father, sisters and I are just at a complete loss as to how to even go on from here. No one has plans in place to bury their 19-year-old baby."

The parents said they are receiving some help for funeral costs from a victims' fund, but it will not be enough.

"We did not want to begin a GoFundMe. But so many have asked how to donate, and as this is all sinking in, we are realizing we need the help as well. The funds will be used for services and memorials for Jaden."

Trevor Christopher Weigel, 23, of Churchville, was arraigned Sunday afternoon by Magisterial District Judge Michael W. Petrucci in Newtown during a video appearance from his hospital room on charges of criminal homicide, burglary, possession of an instrument of crime, disorderly conduct, and harassment. He was denied bail.

The parents said that "the road to getting justice for her is a long one."

"It will be a year or so until the conclusion of her murderer’s trial and court process," the parents said. "We need help to cover work missed due to grieving, court dates, and therapy. We are not comfortable asking for help. But I want to be sure we are in a situation to make sure this man who hurt our baby is punished to the fullest extent of the law."

Lower Makefield Township Police Chief Kenneth D. Coluzzi said that Battista was stabbed 15 times. On Friday, police saw Weigel chase after Battista, tackle her to the ground, and begin stabbing her in the upper portion of her body.

Police used a Taser to apprehend Weigel, who had stabbed himself in the neck, after a chase on Interstate 295.

Body-worn cameras from police officers involved in Weigel's apprehension on Interstate 295 show him saying that he found out that she (who law enforcement believes to be Battista) was cheating on him and he "lost it."

Authorities said the Weigel and Battista had dated for two months.

"Thank you all so much for every kind word and offer of help," the parents said. "It has been such a blessing. And lastly, if you or anyone you know is in a situation like my daughter was, please reach out for help. We had feelings that he was not right, that he was controlling. But she never told us how much so. Never in a million years did I think I’d ever say that my daughter was a murder victim. It just shows that you never know how fast something can go so wrong. There is help available, reach out for it."

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