A month after a Robbinsdale woman was murdered, her family is struggling to make ends meet. Police say 27-year–old Jennifer Smith was gunned down in her home. They said 73-year-old Ronald West shot Smith and then turned the gun on himself. Her family is trying to make sense out of a senseless act.
Susan Brose is Smiths mother. She pulled out a picture and remembered a happier time."This is the last time we were all together this past Labor Day weekend."
"She smiled and laughed a lot. She loved her kids more than anything," said Brose.
Five year old Adam, 10 year old Hannah, and 13 year old Kayleigh will never get to hug their mother again. Kayleigh said she'll miss her mom, the one she calls her best friend. She said "I don't want them to remember my mom as a person that was murdered. I want them to remember her as someone who was nice to everyone, who cared about someone."
"My only child is gone," said Brose. She now has to step up and be not only Grandma, but Mother too. "Everybody keeps telling me they can't believe what a strong person I am, I don't have a choice. I don't have the luxury of breaking down and staying in bed all day long," said the grieving mom.
"It's going to be a struggle we'll get by, we'll do what we have to do."
If you'd like to help the family, a fundraiser is planned November 18th, at the Shortstop bar in Fridley.
You can also donate at any Wells Fargo bank, under the Jennifer Smith's Kid's Fund.
Sonya Goins
news@twelve.tv
October 31, 2012