Pearl's parents: 'Our worst fears have been realized'

ENCINO, Calif. (CNN) -- The parents of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl issued this statement Thursday:

"We were shocked and saddened at the confirmation that our worst fears have been realized. Up until a few hours ago we were confident that Danny would return safely, for we believed no human being would be capable of harming such a gentle soul.

"Danny's senseless murder lies beyond our comprehension. Danny was a beloved son, a brother, an uncle, a husband and a father to a child who will never know him.

"A musician, a writer, a story-teller and a bridge-builder, he was a walking sunshine of truth, humor, friendship and compassion. We grieve with the many who have known him in his life and we weep for a world that must reckon with his death."