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RANKLIN — Grieving family members and a community of friends and dignitaries assembled Friday in Franklin for a candlelight vigil for 36-year-old April Charles, who died Thursday in a murder-suicide committed by her child’s father, 30 year old Kenneth Smith Jr. 

Purple T-shirts and balloons laced the crowd as a sign of a stand against domestic violence.

Charles’ sister, Karla Charles, recalls receiving the news that her sister had been shot and killed.

“It was unreal,” Charles said. “It took every bit of me. She was like my second mom.”

Smith shot Charles twice before turning the firearm on himself. Charles died later at a local hospital.

Charles was the mother of four children ranging in age from 21 to 1.

Her oldest daughter, Tytianna, is coping but said she will never stand for violence in any of her relationships.

“I’m not going for any of the abuse. She’s taught me a lot, “ Tytianna said. 

“She did put a restraining order on him a couple of times.”

Karla said things have to change because an order is not enough.

“She got the restraining order but it just feels like you get help but as soon as you leave the courtroom you’re not protected,” she said.

 “Just like people who get out of jail. There should be some way that you can track where an abuser is at all times.”

Chez Hope representatives were there to comfort the family and lend support.

  A passionate advocate for the group who suffered from domestic violence, Tiffany Dupas  spoke to the crowd gathered in tears and anguish as she told her story and stressed the need for involvement.

“ I can’t sleep without making sure the doors are locked. When I’m in public places I’m looking for the exit. I think of him every minute of every single day wondering what he would do if he comes back,” Dupas said with tears in her eyes.

 “Why would you want my life to be your reality. If you see something say something. This is not just about a family it’s about a community. This just doesn’t’ affect you it affects your children. Love yourself first,” she said, pleading.

Leah Charles, April’s aunt, said, “Once they put their hands on you it’s time to let them go.”

The Rev. Allen Randle of Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church and Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard spoke encouraging words to the family and those gathered.

“What do you do in times like these? Randle asked. “Call on the name of Jesus. I’ll give you rest for your weary soul, Although weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning.” 

“I received word that something this tragic had happened in our city. I’ve been in your shoes and I know this is a deep hurt,” Foulcard said.

Chez Hope statistics show Louisiana ranks third in the nation for domestic violence homicides. Sixty-two domestic violence homicides occurred in 2017.