An Arkansas television anchorwoman found beaten at her home earlier this week has died from her injuries.
It is with heavy hearts tonight that we tell you KATV's Anne Pressly, found beaten in her home Monday morning died tonight (Saturday) from her injuries. KATV reported Anne's death on their station earlier this evening.
It has been a difficult week for us here at Today's THV as we have closely followed the condition of Anne Pressly, as well as the on going police investigation. With news of her death, we take a look back on the events surrounding her attack.
Cassandra Davis with Little Rock Police said, "We've never seen an act carried out on a media personality."
Monday, Pressly, was found by her mother at about 4:30 a.m. lying in her bed and bleeding from being beaten. Pressly was beaten around the head, face and neck during the attack. She had been unable to communicate with her family or police, while in the hospital's intensive care unit.
Tuesday, police continued to search Pressly's home and go on leads while the community pulled together for a vigil.
Rev.Benny Johnson said, "This person will be caught. I'm asking this person to turn themselves in because sooner or later they're going to catch you. The best thing to do is to turn yourself in, because you will be caught."
Wednesday, Little Rock police searched main roads near Pressly's neighborhood for clues and for the blunt object used to beat her.
Thursday, close friends and colleagues held a candlelight vigil to show their support for Pressly and her family
Close friend Natalie Rawls said, "She's just one of those people that exudes greatness, she's one of those people that even if you don't know her you feel like you know her. I remember the first time that I met her it felt like we'd been friends for forever. She's just one of those people that make you feel that way anytime she's around."
Friday, Anne Pressly's father talked about his daughter's condition for the first time. Guy Cannady said, "She suffered an unbelievably vicious attack which has resulted in massive injuries to her head, face, neck, and hand. Anne fought back heroically with an attempt to fight off the attacker and save her life."
Saturday, 26-year-old Anne Pressly's family released a statement, it reads:
A Statement from the Family of Anne Pressly
We are profoundly saddened to tell you that our dear Anne has lost her struggle for life. It was our hope, as was yours, that Anne would overcome the injuries inflicted upon her in the brutal attack at her home. We were with her in her last moments, and although our hearts are broken, we are at the same time comforted by our faith knowing that Anne is now with our Heavenly Father.
The outpouring of compassion we have received is truly a testament to the way in which Anne has touched so many people in a positive way. Thank you for your prayers and your many acts of kindness. We are grateful for the wonderful care Anne received from her doctors, nurses and others at St. Vincent.
Our lives will not be the same without her. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we struggle to move forward without our dear sweet daughter. We also ask that you give us the privacy we need at this very difficult time.
Guy and Patti Cannady
The parents of Anne Pressly
Many of us here at Today's THV knew Anne from covering stories with her in the field. She was a bright and positive person and good at her craft. She always greeted everyone with a beautiful smile. The world is a sadder place tonight without her smile.
