INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – A week after a mother and her 2-month-old baby died following a shooting involving police, dozens of people gathered holding candles to mourn their deaths.
They were looking for comfort and strength together.
34-year-old Maria Pike and her daughter, 2-month-old Destinii Hope, died last Thursday following a shooting at the Oval Spring Apartments in Independence, Missouri.
On Friday night, Felisha Holder, Destinii’s aunt, looked around as people decorated poster boards with photos and messages in marker.
“It means a lot that the community feels what we feel,” Holder said. “It means the world. It won’t bring her back, but at least we know that we have a lot of support here.”
The property manager of Oval Spring Apartments, Carrie Lufkin, organized the vigil. She choked up as she addressed the crowd.
“We need to come together as a community and be strong together. And I’m here to support you guys through every second of that,” Lufkin said.
Lufkin brought teddy bears for the children, hoping it would bring some small comfort to them. Holder addressed those who gathered with gratitude, but her anger and outrage were not far off.
“Why? Why would he do that? That is going through all of our heads. Why?” she asked in a pleading tone. “We do want justice. We want answers.”
Independence Police were called to the apartments on the afternoon of Nov. 7. Holder said Destinii’s grandmother was seeking help, reporting that Pike was being violent.
The family thought Pike would be arrested and given help. They said Pike had been diagnosed with postpartum depression.
Police said Pike had a knife and that an officer fired at least one shot, but officials haven’t said much else. Police have not confirmed whether the mother or child were hit by the gunfire.
Investigators are reviewing body camera footage, but it hasn’t been released to the public.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker was at the vigil to provide support to the family. When asked about the case, she said she understands the pressure for investigators to be quick, but she prefers that they be thorough.
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