The family of Sara Zghoul spoke for the first time Tuesday, mourning the 28-year-old Aloha woman whose body was found dismembered Thursday and thanking community members for their compassion.

"We have lost our daughter, mother, sister, and friend; beautiful soul who will remain in our hearts forever," it said. "Please continue to keep us in your prayers. May God bless you all."

They family has experienced a "generous outpouring of love, support and prayers sent our way," the statement said.

The family also thanked the detectives working on the case.

Jeremiah "Jeremy" Johnston, 35, was taken into custody Thursday night after authorities found Zhgoul's body in two suitcases in the trunk of a black BMW parked in a Aloha neighborhood.

Authorities haven't identified the suspect by name, but law enforcement sources say Johnston slit his throat and wrists and was found in a ravine 2 1/2 miles away from where Zghoul's body was found.

Washington County sheriff Deputy Jeff Talbot said investigators intend to arrest the suspect once he's out of the hospital. He declined to release information about the suspect's condition.

The statement from the Zghoul family comes after Jordanian news outlets published a statement that claimed to be written on behalf of the family. That statement contained false information, the Zghoul family said, and was published without their "corroboration or consent."

The Zghoul family's statement in its entirety.

-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com

503-294-5911

@annamarum

Oregonian reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh contributed to this story.