Parents Seeking Justice After Missing UPenn Student Found Dead In California Park

“We – like so many of you around the world – love Blaze and wanted nothing more than his safe return,” said his father – who reported the pre-med son missing on January 3 after he didn’t show up to a dentist appointment. Bernstein was reportedly staying in his parents’ home over Winter break, and was expected to return to school the next Sunday.

After identifying his body in Borrego Park, California, Bernstein’s parents have decided to continue investigating what exactly led to the tragic killing of their beloved son.

“We want to thank all of you who so generously gave of your hearts, time, and energy to help us in the search for Blaze over this past week. As this investigation moves from search and rescue to a homicide investigation, we ask for your continued support in providing tips and information to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department,” the former UPenn student’s father continued.

Investigators are “absolutely killing themselves to bring justice to this family,” Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department told PEOPLE. He failed to reveal more information about the student’s death.