The family of slain Melbourne teenager Laa Chol has pleaded for privacy ahead of her funeral and criticised what they say is the politicisation of her death.
The 19-year-old's body was found on the 56th floor of the CBD EQ Tower on July 21 after a party at a short-term stay apartment.
"We have lost a beautiful young woman, who loved her family and was an active member of her community. We will continue to miss Laa and the joy she brought to all our lives," family representative Yohannes Mojwok said in a statement shared on Twitter on Friday.
Nineteen-year-old Laa Chol. Source: SBS News
Ms Chol's death was linked by some commentators to "gang" violence by Australian-Sudanese youths but Victoria Police have said there was no connection.
"It is with sadness that we have watched the tragic death of our precious daughter used for political agendas and media commercial interests," the statement said.
"Laa's funeral is a private funeral and the family does not invite any media outlets and will not be making any comments.
"We urge all commentators to please stop tormenting us by running commentaries of Laa's death."
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murdering the 19-year-old during what police described as a dispute between two groups of party-goers.
Another boy, 16, was charged with being an accessory to murder.
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