Tulsa, OK -
Dena Dean was a daughter, baby sister, and a blessing to those who knew her. "My daughter was a very caring and loving person," said Diana Dean. Her 16 year old daughter was last seen at the Town West Shopping Center on June 6, 1998. The Tulsa County Sheriff's office says someone viciously attacked the teen before taking her life. "This wasn't a random killing. The killers are in this area. They were familiar with this area, and people saw something," said Sgt. Shannon Clark.
The Tulsa County Sheriff's office set up a command center in the parking lot of the Town West Shopping Center. They're fishing for facts. It's not the first time, but they hope it's the last.
No tip is too small. "If I had some answers I wouldn't have closure, but I could have a little bit of peace knowing that the person that murdered my daughter had been brought to justice," explained Diana. She's a mom on a mission, no matter how long it takes. It's her promise to Dena. Diana and Larry Dean say their daughter deserves that much and more. So they keep it at, hoping for leads that will lead them to the killer. "The person that murdered my daughter, I'm going to be their worst nightmare because I'm not going away. I can't. I have to fight for her rights, for justice for her and that's just how it is," Diana Dean told Tulsa's Channel 8.
Every year on the anniversary of Dena's death her family hosts a memorial service for her. This year they meet at church located in the Town West Shopping Center.
