Mother Speaks Out After Tragic Shooting

Introduction to the Tragedy

A mother is speaking out after her daughter and her three grandchildren were killed in a shooting in Pembroke Park.

Denisse told NBC6’s sister station that she’s holding on to faith and that her grandchild, 8-year-old Phiinyx, will recover from her physical and mental trauma.

The Incident and Suspect

According to police, Julie Cruz and her three children were murdered by her ex-boyfriend and father of two of her kids, 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, who tried to take his own life. McKenzie is in the hospital while charges are pending.

Aftermath and Plans

Denisse said her daughter had plans to move with her children this weekend. The grandmother now remains at the hospital to help take care of her only surviving grandchild. "She was asking for her mom, saying, ‘Mama, Mama’, I told her that she’s going to see her mom and that mom is fine but she shook her head no saying, ‘No, mom is not fine,’" she said in Spanish. "So I went to the doctors and nurses so they could sedate her because she remembers."

Community Response

The shooting has shaken the community of Pembroke Park. The town will offer grief counseling to those who were affected by the tragedy. It will be held at Pembroke Park Town Hall starting at 5:30 p.m.

Conclusion

The tragic event has left a family and a community grieving. The support from the town and the resilience of the family, especially Denisse and her surviving grandchild, are crucial in the healing process. It’s a reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support to those affected by it.

FAQs

• Q: What happened in Pembroke Park?
  • A: A woman, Julie Cruz, and her three children were killed by her ex-boyfriend, Stephen McKenzie, in a shooting incident.
• Q: Is the suspect in custody?
  • A: The suspect, Stephen McKenzie, is in the hospital and charges are pending.
• Q: What support is being offered to the community?
  • A: The town of Pembroke Park is offering grief counseling to those affected by the tragedy, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Pembroke Park Town Hall.
• Q: How can one support the family and community?
  • A: Supporting organizations that help victims of domestic violence and contributing to any fundraisers for the family can be helpful. Additionally, respecting the privacy of the family during this difficult time is important.