A vigil was held for 2-year-old Tiana Watts and her sister, Jaliyah Watts, who was just shy of a year old. The girls were fatally shot by their father in a suspected murder-suicide at an apartment complex on Rio Grande Avenue in Orange County.

Family and Friends Gather to Honor the Lives of the Two Girls

Family and friends gathered Thursday night outside the apartment complex to honor the lives of the two girls. Among them was their great-uncle, Leroy Jackson III. Jackson reflected on the impact the girls had during their short lives, saying they touched many people despite their young age.

Tiana was remembered as a child who loved to dance and to share affection. Jaliyah, whose name was a combination of two of her great-uncles, was described as having a love for food and holding a special place in the family.

The girls’ mother is struggling to cope with the devastating loss. The family hopes to start a scholarship fund in the girls’ honor, but their immediate focus is on planning the funerals and finding grief and trauma support for their mother.

Jackson encouraged people to check on their loved ones and their mental health, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who may be struggling.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.