A family is devastated after their daughter was found dead in Burnaby.

According to the Burnaby RCMP, 13-year-old Marrisa Shen was found at 1:10 a.m. on the southeast side of Central Park.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is overseeing the case.

"The circumstances surrounding the initial crime scene examination indicates that Miss Shen was potentially a victim of homicide," the RCMP said in a news release.

The Mounties say an autopsy is necessary to determine the cause of death. It's unknown at this time if there's any risk to the public.

The girl was last seen at 1 p.m. on July 18 and was last heard over the phone at 5 p.m. that day.

"We understand there will be many questions, but until we know more and can provide further updates, we ask that the public remain vigilant,"Cpl. Meghan Foster of IHIT said in the news release. "It is early in the investigation, and all agencies involved are working collectively and collaboratively to gather and review evidence."

Uniformed and plainclothes officers will be in the area over the next several days. Police are asking parents to "have a conversation with your kids" about personal safety.