CYPRESS, Texas – Three fluttering butterfly tattoos are sketched on McKenzie Abbott’s forearm in black ink. They’re a symbol of friendship.
“It was me and my two best friends, and it was going to stay on my body as long as we were friends. It just means a lot. I’m glad we got it now especially,” said Abbott.
One of the butterflies represents her best friend since middle school, 21-year-old Cameryn Richard.
“Cameryn loved butterflies. She was just so free and girly. It just definitely makes sense,” said Abbott.
Abbott just returned to college in Virginia when she learned Richard was murdered Sunday morning. She said she had just spoke with Richard the day before. They talked about their favorite TV show and shared funny social media posts.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but she definitely did not deserve this at all,” said Abbott.
Firefighters responded to a house fire off Plains River Drive in the Cypress Mill Subdivision around 7 a.m. Sunday morning. That’s where they found the bodies of Richard, her boyfriend, Kolin Foster and his mother, Kelly Masciarelli. Investigators believe they were killed before their home was intentionally set on fire with some sort of accelerant. The killer is unknown, but detectives believe the murders were not random.
Abbott says Richard had been living with Foster at the home for a while and things were going well. She never thought Richard was in danger.
“I’m still debating if I think this is real. I was waiting for a text back to say it was a gross joke, but it’s just becoming more obvious that it’s not.” said Abbott.
She said Cameryn had dreams of becoming a professional hairstylist. She was small in stature, but her heart was big.
“Little body, big heart. I’ve always heard that somewhere, but that was her for sure. She was just a goofball, to be honest. She kind of made light in any situation. She was just the most forgiving person I’ve ever met. Like anything she was going through, she was ready to forgive them right after. She was a good person,” said Abbott.
Abbott is hoping whoever killed Richard, Foster and Masciarelli will be held accountable. As she waits for justice, Abbott is grateful she’ll always have the butterfly tattoo as a symbol she will have for Richard, forever.
Those with any information about the triple murder are asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).