Family and community come together in New Jersey to remember mother and daughter killed in Willingboro home

Family members and neighbors gathered in front of a home on Harrington Circle in Willingboro to honor the lives of 33-year-old Catherine Nunez and her mother, Marisol, who were shot dead in the home last week.

The home where Catherine lived with her 8-year-old son became a place of mourning and remembrance as loved ones traveled from out of town to pay their respects. Marisol’s brother-in-law, Joseph Puig, spoke of their impact on family and friends, describing both women as “the epitome of goodness.”

“They are both beautiful souls and they did not deserve this,” Puig said.

The tragedy unfolded early Wednesday morning when police found both women. That’s what the authorities said Junior Edwardsthe father of Catherine’s son, broke into the house through a window and killed both women. Police reported that the 8-year-old boy, who was home at the time, was unharmed and that a firearm was found outside the home.

Family members shared memories of both women, saying they were happy individuals who loved music and dancing. Marisol was known to those close to her as “Morena” and went to church every Sunday with her Carmen.

Catherine’s boyfriend, Joshua Jackson, described her as a devoted mother.

“I don’t have enough nice things to say about her,” Jackson said. “She was a great mother, she loved her son. She always did everything for her son.”

While the investigation continues, the family said the young boy remains in state custody.

The gathering drew community members, friends and advocates, including Kelly Logan, founder of “Stop Drop Your Gun,” who offered support to the grieving family.

“We are here today to give love to the family,” Logan said.

As night fell, dozens of people attended a vigil, joining hands in prayer. A local pastor encouraged the crowd to remember Marisol and Catherine in their prayers.

Charlee Harris, another participant, asked for prayers for Catherine’s son and urged the community to support him emotionally.

“And prayers for the son, we have to make sure we lift his spirits as well,” Harris said.

The family said funeral arrangements will take place Thursday and Friday at the Ortiz Funeral Home in Brooklyn, New York.