SAN DIEGO — Hundreds of community members on Friday attended a vigil to honor a Paradise Hills mother and her three sons who were fatally shot by the kids' father last week.
A sea of candles light the night sky in an overwhelming show of support for the family of 29-year-old Sabrina Rosario and her three sons that died: ages 3, 5 and 11.
One of her other sons, age 9, was shot and remains in critical condition.
"She was my princess," said Gloria Collins, Sabrina's mother.
Sabrina's mother said the family is heartbroken.
"We can't believe it. We feel sick, but God gave us the strength to be here. I just wanted to hold them all in my arms and hug and kiss them," said Sabrina's aunt, Joyce Rosario.
Those who knew the family describe the boys, 11-year-old Zeth, 5-year-old Zuriel, and 3-year-old Enzo, as loving and always happy.
Through prayers, songs, and candle light, the community is trying to find some peace out of the horrible tragedy.
Gloria said it is her faith and community support that is helping her heal one day at a time.
"I am here for them. I am praying every time, every day. With all my heart, I say, thank you," she said.
Court documents show that Rosario filed a restraining order against her estranged husband, 31-year-old Jose Valdivia, just one day before the murder-suicide.
On Nov. 6, court documents state Valdivia sent Rosario "a photo of a handgun displayed in front of several beer cans and a bottle of alcohol."
After receiving two 911 calls, officers broke in and found six people were shot. According to San Diego Police, a 3-year-old boy and the parents were pronounced dead at the home.
The 5-year-old boy, 9-year-old boy and 11-year-old boy were all taken to the hospital where two of them were pronounced dead. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with the 9-year-old boy's medical expenses.