Family Of Murdered East Hills Mother Says "Everything" Has Been Taken From Them
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The family of the 28-year-old woman who was fatally shot Monday in her East Hills apartment are speaking out about their loved one who was the mother to eight children.
Marqua Wilson's family says she had a lot of love for her children and a bright, outgoing personality.
And while the suspect, 20-year-old Markese Reese, who was the victim's ex-boyfriend, is being held at the Allegheny County Jail, Wilson's family is taking comfort in their memories.
Wilson's mother, aunt and cousin are in a time of grieving.
"Marqua was a resilient mom. She was an absolute joy," said Nickolette Douglas, the victim's mother. "She was the most funniest person, even in bad times she found a way to still laugh or smile."
Wilson was killed Monday morning inside her apartment on Wilner Drive. She had been shot in the head.
According to investigators, the suspect told police the two had argued over the money he spent on diapers and baby wipes. They struggled over a gun and it went off.
But Wilson's mother says troubles began long before her daughter was shot and killed.
Douglas: "He always told her he was going to kill her."
KDKA's Brenda Waters: "He did?"
Douglas: "Yeah. We are talking about several years of domestic abuse."
Wilson and Reese had dated since he was 16-years-old. They had a 3-year-old child together, but Wilson had a total of eight children, ranging in age from 13-years-old to 9-months-old.
"I am so numb right now, but I know my grandbabies are counting on me," said Douglas. "I'm trying to be a strong as I can be because they need me."
Waters: "What has he taken from you?"
Douglas: "Everything."
The family says they warned Wilson to get out of the relationship with Reese, and she was finally listening.
"She was talking about changing her life, said Dawn Gould-Jacobs, Wilson's aunt. "She knew this was not what she wanted and we talked about church."
Wilson's family is also thanking police for their quick work in finding the alleged suspect.
If you would like to help Wilson's family, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral and education costs for her children.
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