“Our hearts are broken,” says the family of Mollie Tibbetts, the 20-year-old college student allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant in Iowa.

“On behalf of Mollie’s entire family, we thank all those from around the world who have sent their thoughts and prayers for our girl,” according to a family statement released Wednesday by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

“We know that many of you will join us as we continue to carry Mollie in our hearts forever,” the family said, as accused murderer Cristhian Rivera, 24, prepared for his first court appearance.

Tibbetts’ body was found Tuesday, more than a month after her disappearance.

Rivera worked on a farm owned by an influential Iowa GOP family.

The murder suspect’s illegal status has made Tibbetts’ case a lightning rod in the immigration debate in the waning months leading up to the midterm elections.