Mother of 4-year-old shot to death during robbery tells her story

Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Mom of murdered 4-year-old girl speaks about violent robbery
Mom of murdered 4-year-old girl speaks about violent robbery, Jessica Willey reports.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A mother is sharing her story for the first time after her four-year-old daughter was killed in an attempted robbery.

Diana Gomez watched in horror as her four-year-old daughter was left bleeding and helpless.

"I saw my daughter on the floor and she wasn't able to breathe no more. She was trying. I was screaming 'Ava!'" said Gomez.

Two weeks ago, Diana and three of her children had just returned home, with groceries in hand. They were outside of their SUV walking up to their apartment when three men walked up to them.

"He came at me. He said give me your purse. That's what he wanted," said Gomez.

Diana said two of the suspects went after her vehicle, trying to take it and the other demanded her purse. Her purse was positioned across her body so she couldn't take it off easily. After demanding her purse, the suspect didn't even give her a chance to give it him. Diana said he started shooting and then ran off.

You can help the family by supporting their GoFundMe.

Diana blocked her children but the suspect's gunfire struck two of her daughters. Her 10-year-old daughter Betzy was grazed by a bullet. Sadly, her 4-year-old daughter, Ava, was killed. Diana did everything she possibly could have to protect her children but this loving mother still wishes she could have done more.

The mother of 4-year-old Ava Castillo speaks exclusively about the shooting that took her daughter.

"I love you so much. I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you, like I wish I could have," said Gomez.

Diana is sharing in her story in the hopes of getting justice. She's asking the public for help.

"I would ask, please, if they know anything to come forward. It's my child and I just want these people caught," said Gomez.

Investigators say these are very dangerous men. Investigators questioned someone on Monday they believe may have information in the case.

"She means the world. She's my daughter. She's my baby. I had her for at least four years. She made my life," said Gomez.

Criminals who took the innocent life of a 4-year-old girl.

"I know I will see her some time. I'm hoping for that day to come when I get to see my baby again," said Gomez.

Diana said the suspect was wearing a mask, so it was difficult to get a look at him. Investigators say they are following up on leads but still need information from the public on this case.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Mother, two young daughters shot during attempted robbery

A woman and her two children were shot in a robbery attempt in northern Harris County, HCSO says.

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