Brittney Gargol’s family is once again thanking police for a recent arrest in the nearly two-year-old murder case.

“Our prayers have been answered after this difficult two-year period and the Gargol family would like to thank all the detectives and others for their dedicated hard work,” Brittney’s uncle, Al Gargol, told media outside Saskatoon Provincial Court on Friday.

“Thank you to everyone for their prayers and support.”

The family was in court for the second appearance of accused Cheyenne Antoine.

The 20-year-old, who was friends with Brittney, was charged this week with second-degree murder and causing an indignity to a body in connection to Brittney’s death.

Brittney’s body was found March 25, 2015, near Valley Road. Police initially said she was found severely injured and pronounced dead in hospital, but an update this week clarified she was found dead at the scene. She was 18.

Her uncle said the family is hoping for justice as the case moves through the court system.

“From the day Brittney was born until she was tragically taken away from us, her spirit was a brilliant light in our family,” he said. “She was spontaneous, fun-loving and the most caring person. Every day that goes by, she is sorely missed and loved by her entire family and many friends. May justice prevail.”

Brittney’s stepmother, Kristi Wickenhauser, confirmed earlier this week her stepdaughter and Antoine were friends. A post shared on Brittney’s Facebook page the day she died shows her and Antoine together in a selfie.

“So thankful that the investigators that have been working on this for almost two years never gave up hope, because it was very hard for us at times to keep that hope up,” Wickenhauser said Wednesday.

Antoine was the subject of missing persons report in August 2016. She was found about a week after being reported missing.

She appeared in court via video link Friday. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 23.

--- with files from Angelina Irinici and Matt Young