CYPRESS, Texas – Three fluttering butterfly tattoos are sketched in black ink on McKenzie Abbott’s forearm. They are a symbol of friendship.

“It was me and my two best friends, and it was meant to stay on my body as long as we’re friends. It just means a lot to me. I’m especially glad we got it now,” Abbott said.

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 makes sense,” Abbott said.

Abbott had just returned to her college in Virginia when she learned that Richard had been murdered on Sunday morning. She said she had spoken to Richard just the day before. They talked about their favorite television show and shared funny social media posts.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but she definitely doesn’t deserve this,” Abbott said.

Firefighters responded to a house fire near Plains River Drive in the Cypress Mill Subdivision around 7 a.m. Sunday morning, 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 type of accelerant. The killer is unknown, but investigators believe the murders were not random.

Abbott says Richard lived with Foster in the home for a while and everything went well. She never thought Richard was in danger.

“I’m still not sure if this is real. I’ve been waiting for a response saying it was a disgusting joke, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious that it’s not,” Abbott said.

She said Cameryn dreamed of becoming a professional hairdresser. She was small in stature, but her heart was big.

“Small body, big heart. I’ve always heard that somewhere, but that’s definitely who she was. Honestly, she was just a goofball. She just kind of took every situation in her stride. She was just the most forgiving person I’ve ever met. No matter what she was going through, she was ready to forgive them in an instant. She was a good person,” Abbott said.

Abbott hopes that the killer of Richard, Foster and Masciarelli will be brought to justice. While she waits for justice, Abbott is grateful that she will keep the butterfly tattoo as a symbol of Richard forever.

Anyone with information about the triple homicide is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).