I’m Maurice Miller and, on Christmas of 2021, my 13-year-old daughter, Samarria, and 10-year-old son, Sanjay, witnessed their mother’s murder. Juana Francisco’s life was taken by her boyfriend just steps from their front door. 

After hearing the first gun shot, Samarria attempted to go outside and check on her mother but was stopped when the gun was also pointed at her. Juana weakly signaled Samarria to go back inside where she grabbed her brother, locked them in their bedroom, and called the police. 

Juana’s boyfriend shot her 5 more times in the chest before taking his own life; he died on the scene. Once the gun fire ceased, Samarria heard her mother still breathing and bravely went outside to find her lying on the ground, bleeding from her mouth, but still conscious. She applied pressure to her mother’s injuries in hopes to stop the bleeding but the injuries were too severe. Juana died a few hours later at the hospital. 

Not only did my children go through a traumatic experience but they will now grow through life without a mother and Christmas will most likely be a day of grieving memories and gut feelings for them. Being a single father is hard in itself, and providing continuous strength when my children need to grieve the loss of their mother will forever be an addition. 

Long nights are longer when my son cries out for his mother and mornings become heartbreaking when my daughter wishes her mother could do her hair just one more time. As much as I have always provided my children’s needs, there is nothing I can do to bring their memories back to life. We look at pictures, share stories, and will find ways to celebrate Juana’s life every Christmas moving forward. I know she is looking over us saying, “Miller you got this!” And, Yes! I do.  Of course, it was easier with their mother present but, as their father, I will and can take on the challenge of raising my son and daughter on my own.

Juana was a 37-year-old woman, entrepreneur, and mother who truly loved her children. Domestic Violence is something everyone needs to be aware of. There may not always be signs that your loved ones are being abused and some signs may not seem as severe as they could be. Juana was afraid for her life, yet didn’t know how to tell or ask anyone for help. Reach out to our loved ones, look for signs, and ask questions. This could have been avoided. Moving forward we will help bring awareness to parents, onlookers, and loved ones who can help ensure other children will not have to bury their mothers due to senseless acts. No one deserves to have their life taken. 

If you can contribute, all donations will go directly to my children’s well-being and will be a tremendous help on our journey ahead. As things have unfolded, I have accepted that nothing was left to my children. All of Juana’s assets were inherited by her mother (my children’s grandmother), not our children. 

With your help, I will provide my children healing resources, therapy sessions, and assistance in providing them bright futures. Samarria, Sanjay, and I are grateful for all that we receive in advance. If the saying “it takes a village” was ever true, it is now! We need a village to send us strength and prayers as we conquer this feat. Thank you.