Dozens who loved and knew 38-year-old Cynthia Watkins best gathered at Shafer Park in Selma to embrace each other and light a candle in her name.
Cynthia's life was cut short by a senseless act. Police say a little more than a week ago, 50-year-old Anthony Jackson, who family members say was the father of Cynthia's youngest child, shot and killed their neighbor, 22-year-old Gerome Dixon.
Then, minutes later Jackson reportedly killed Cynthia before turning the gun on himself.
"These children are traumatized, they're gonna be traumatized basically probably for the rest of their life," said Cynthia's Aunt, Ruthie McDaniel.
What's even worse is the family told us at least two of Cynthia's three children were witness to the gruesome crime.
"He did it in front of his own child. I don't understand what type of person could do that," said McDaniel.
Cynthia was an employee for the IRS and co-workers who knew her well said she was a beautiful person inside and out.
"Just the greatest person. It's...it's hard to see someone leave like that. Yeah, she touched our heart," said co-worker of four years, Birdie Saenz.
Cynthia's cousin, Deonah Ray said having some of her coworkers present helps with the process.
"Let them also help with our healing...and help them. We're all helping each other," said Ray.
Cynthia is survived by her 3 and 7-year-old daughters and 12-year-old son.
Cynthia Watkins Funeral Arrangements:
Page Funeral Home
2014 Arrants St. Selma, CA
Monday, September 30th @ 1PM
Funeral Expenses Donation Account setup at Chase Bank Account #3020275417
Donations are taken at any Chase branch in the area.
Cynthia's life was cut short by a senseless act. Police say a little more than a week ago, 50-year-old Anthony Jackson, who family members say was the father of Cynthia's youngest child, shot and killed their neighbor, 22-year-old Gerome Dixon.
Then, minutes later Jackson reportedly killed Cynthia before turning the gun on himself.
"These children are traumatized, they're gonna be traumatized basically probably for the rest of their life," said Cynthia's Aunt, Ruthie McDaniel.
What's even worse is the family told us at least two of Cynthia's three children were witness to the gruesome crime.
"He did it in front of his own child. I don't understand what type of person could do that," said McDaniel.
Cynthia was an employee for the IRS and co-workers who knew her well said she was a beautiful person inside and out.
"Just the greatest person. It's...it's hard to see someone leave like that. Yeah, she touched our heart," said co-worker of four years, Birdie Saenz.
Cynthia's cousin, Deonah Ray said having some of her coworkers present helps with the process.
"Let them also help with our healing...and help them. We're all helping each other," said Ray.
Cynthia is survived by her 3 and 7-year-old daughters and 12-year-old son.
Cynthia Watkins Funeral Arrangements:
Page Funeral Home
2014 Arrants St. Selma, CA
Monday, September 30th @ 1PM
Funeral Expenses Donation Account setup at Chase Bank Account #3020275417
Donations are taken at any Chase branch in the area.