The family of Leanne Freeman, a Winnipeg woman shot and dumped in an isolated industrial area of Toronto last month, held a vigil for her on the weekend in Toronto.

Freeman, 23, was found unconscious and bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head in the Port Lands on Nov. 29. She was rushed to hospital and died shortly after.

On Friday, police announced a break in the case, saying they found some of Freeman's personal belongings in a dumpster.

Police said that although Freeman had worked at times in the sex trade, they don't believe she was working as a prostitute on the night of her death, nor do they consider her killing a random act.

Last weekend, members of her family travelled to Toronto and set up a candlelight vigil at the spot where she was found on Unwin Avenue.

In an exclusive interview with CBC News, friends and family said they wanted people to know about the bright, loving person Leanne was.

'She was the nicest girl'

"I can feel her presence here," said her brother Tim Freeman. "She was the nicest girl to anybody. I can't believe anybody who would do this in such a brutal way — throw her away like she was trash."

Tim Freeman said he and his sister had a difficult childhood. Both struggled with drug addiction after their family broke apart.

Robin Brideau, a friend of Leanne Freeman, said she was a unique character who won't soon be forgotten.

"No matter where she was, she was the centre of attention at all times. She was one of a kind."

The family is planning a memorial service for Freeman this week. Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact them.