PORTLAND — The family of Darien Richardson appealed for the public’s help today, seeking information that will help police get her killers off the street.

Richardson’s parents and sister attended a press conference at the Portland police station this morning, as Chief James Craig described the crime and police efforts to find those responsible.

Additional Photos

In this file photo, Sarena Richardson holds a picture of her sister Darien during a press conference at the Portland Police Department on May 13 2014. Darien Richardson suffered a gunshot wound during a home invasion and died two months later of a blood clot. John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Wayne and Judy Richardson, parents of Darien Richardson, and sister Sarena appear at a press conference at the Portland Police Department today. John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Richardson was asleep at her home at 25 Rackleff St. with a friend Cory Girard, when two masked intruders burst in and fired into the room. Girard was hit in the arm and Richardson was hit in the upper thigh and hand.

After weeks of painful treatment, recovery and therapy, Richardson was discharged from the hospital and eventually went to Miami to help a friend who was moving there, Craig said. Three days later, she collapsed and died. The medical examiner there said she died of a blood clot that was a complication of the gunshot wound.

Richardson’s sister Sarena held a picture of Darien and her mother read a statement. Judith Richardson described Darien as an independent and vibrant person, a South Portland girl who went to Bowdoin and had recently joined the corporate world, going to work for Aetna insurance.

“We hope for justice for Darien and we want these violent criminals off the street,” she said, pausing at times to compose herself.

Anyone with information is asked to call Portland police at 874-8596 or leave an anonymous message on the department’s website at www.portland-police.com

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