BERWICK (AP) – Family and friends of a pregnant teenager stabbed to death by her former boyfriend remembered her Wednesday as a determined student who was working toward becoming a nurse when her life was taken.

Treasure Genaw had broken off her relationship with suspect Anthony O’Leary “and he would not let it go,” said Bob Lahr, a family friend.

The teen’s father wept quietly and was comforted by a minister as Lahr addressed reporters before O’Leary, 19, was arraigned Wednesday on a second-degree murder charge in District Court in Dover, N.H.

O’Leary spoke only once in court, saying “No, your honor,” when the judge asked if he had any questions. A probable cause hearing was scheduled for June 21.

Members of Genaw’s family sat right behind him. As he was led out of the courtroom, they held up her photo, saying “Look at her.”

Lahr said that Treasure was upbeat about her pregnancy and that the teen, who worked two jobs and volunteered at a nursing home, intended to pursue a career in nursing.

“She wanted the American dream like all kids. The exception was, she had the will and drive to obtain that goal. That’s why it’s such a tragedy,” Lahr said told reporters at Berwick Town Hall.

Lahr, who had known Treasure since she was a baby, read a statement from the family that said, “We will all cherish the years we had with her. She was our precious gem, our little Treasure, who now shines her light in heaven.”

As he spoke, her father, Bradley Genaw, sat quietly in the back of the room in tears. He was comforted by the Rev. Al Robbins, pastor of the church the family attended in Berwick.

Genaw attended a high school graduation rehearsal on Monday. Her body was found early the next day alongside a dirt road in South Berwick. She was stabbed in the eye, throat and stomach.

Police found the body after O’Leary was arrested in Massachusetts driving Bradley Genaw’s car. There was blood on O’Leary and in the car, police said.

In Dover, N.H., where Genaw was arraigned, Treasure’s sister-in-law said the pair had been in her house on the night she died.

Jackie Genaw, who is married to Treasure’s brother, said O’Leary had been trying to convince Treasure that he still wanted to be a part of her and the baby’s life and that he still loved her.

Burton Provencher, of Rochester, N.H., who was married to Treasure’s sister and got O’Leary a roofing job, described him as too possessive. “He couldn’t love her the way she deserved,” Provencher said outside the courtroom.

O’Leary was returned to New Hampshire after leading state police on a chase on I-95 Massachusetts. Troopers said they found cuts on his hands and what appeared to be blood in the car.

O’Leary told police that the couple had been driving from Maine to New Hampshire when they got into a fight.

He said it started when Treasure Genaw tried to burn him with a cigarette, then he put her in a headlock and she slashed him with a utility knife, according to an affidavit. He said he stabbed her in the eye, the throat and the stomach.

Treasure Genaw’s family had a hard time swallowing the idea of her instigating a knife fight.

In Berwick, Lahr said getting angry would not change anything. But he said he hoped justice was served.

“He has made his bed,” Lahr said. “Let him lay in it.”

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Eds: Associated Press reporter Holly Ramer in Dover, N.H., contributed to this story.

AP-ES-06-09-04 1639EDT