ORLANDO, Fla. — Family members and community supporters gathered in Orlando on Thursday for a vigil honoring two young sisters who investigators say were killed by their father last week.
Loved ones remembered 2-year-old Tiana and 11-month-old Jaliyah as happy, energetic children who loved to smile and dance.
Police said the girls were shot and killed Friday inside their home at the Palmetto at Lakeside Apartments on Rio Grande Avenue. Investigators identified the suspect as their father, 33-year-old Bryant Watts.
The vigil was organized by the girls’ uncle, Leroy Jackson III, as dozens came together to support the grieving family. Jackson said the sisters had a special way of lifting the spirits of everyone around them.
“You could really be having a bad day … and the kids just come up to you and say, ‘Hey!’ and you’re like, oh my goodness,” Jackson said. “They really did brighten up your day.”
Family members also noted that Jaliyah would have celebrated her first birthday on June 22.
During the vigil, people embraced, prayed and cried as they stood near photos of Tiana and Jaliyah. Children’s toys, including Bluey and Mickey Mouse characters, were placed near the pictures, and several people brought flowers to pay their respects.
One message repeated throughout the evening was a reminder to cherish loved ones.
“When you’re with your kids and you’re with your family and you’re with everyone hug them as close as you can because ya never know…you never know,” said Jackson.
Jackson said despite the tragedy, faith is helping carry the family through.
“Even in the midst of this, God is good,“ he said.
