POWAY, Calif. -- The parents of Chelsea King spoke to 10News' Rachel Bianco Thursday about how they are dealing with the tragedy and their thoughts on seeing her accused killer in court.

Three days after the body of their 17-year-old daughter was found in a shallow grave in Lake Hodges, Brent and Kelly King told 10News how they are dealing with the loss.

"We're doing everything that we can to try and just take a small step and heal. The only thing that helps right now is hugs and the love we get from friends, family," said Brent King.

"Our son is a huge amount of strength for us as well," added Kelly King.

The couple recalled the moment they learned the search for their beloved daughter had ended in the worst way possible. The sheriff delivered the grim news.

"He came to our house and held us … and shared his deepest sympathies and sorrows with us," said Kelly King.

It's been less than 24 hours since John Gardner was charged with raping and murdering Chelsea, nicknamed "Angel" by her dad. The couple said they were overwhelmed with a range of emotions when they saw the sex offender in court.

"Disgust, rage, determination, strength," said Brent King.

The family is determined to make sure Gardner never hurts anyone again. The Kings don't want to discuss evidence or specifics of the case, but Brent King said, "It's God's job to sort. Second of all, I have no problem with the death penalty but it's not good enough."

But right now, the couple's focus is on honoring Chelsea. They're wearing orange and blue pins, her favorite colors, and they said their wish for their daughter's legacy is simple: "I don't want her to ever be forgotten. I want Chelsea's light to shine through forever," said Brent King.