It's been a very scary week for young women in New York City since Imette St. Guillen's body was discovered last week.

Her murder was brutal. She was raped, beaten and all signs indicate that there was a sort of ritualistic way by which she was killed.

According to sources, her hair was cut, her face wrapped with tape, her body wrapped in a blanket, she was choked. It's ghastly to think of what she went through in those final hours and my heart just bleeds for her family and her friends. It should have just been an innocent night of fun — no one should have to die this way.

Police are working around the clock on this case, hoping against hope that the madman that perpetrated this crime will be caught before he strikes again.

I'm amazed by the task they're up against and I hope they get this lowlife.

In the interim, whether you live in a big city like New York or a small town anywhere in this country, you've got to remember that there are people out there – predators — looking to take advantage of anyone and that some of these sick people are hell bent on murder.

It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman — stay alert and focused on your surroundings. Travel with friends. Know where you are at all times and never let your guard down.

I've walked the same streets as Imette did. Her legacy should be a lesson to us all.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this terrible time.

There's a link on "The Lineup" Web site showing how you can help with this case and also establish a scholarship fund in Imette's honor.

Please take a look and give if you can.

Watch Kimberly Guilfoyle on "The Lineup," weekends at 9 p.m. ET