Family remembers Lafayette shooting victim one year after her death
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The family of 46-year-old Fredrika Stevens commemorated her life one year after she was tragically shot and killed.
Stevens was shot and killed Dec. 2, 2023 on Tenth Street. Stevens' mother Barbara Stevens says while she is dealing with her own grief, she has to be strong for her children and grandchildren as they go through this difficult time.
"I have four other children, grandchildren, breaking down," she said. "I see their pain, so I have to sometimes uplift myself to be able to stand with them."
A balloon release was also held in memory of Stevens Monday night. The balloons were orange and white. Fredrika's sister, Erica Richard, says the colors are significant.
"The orange represents gun violence, and that is the way unfortunately my sister's life was taken, so we wanted to represent that in that way and bring awareness and also to represent her in hopes that somebody tonight may see this and finally step up," Richard said.
Family members say Fredrika's favorite holiday was Christmas. Stevens says they will be decorating their yards with her in mind.
"This year we going all out for her, we doing all the decorations this year, I have to put the tree up, I'm putting up the lights and stuff, she loved that," said Stevens.
Richard says their family will always remember Fredrika for being a bright light.
"All those kids knew they could go to Fredrika, from my oldest nieces and nephews to my youngest son, nine years old, they all loved Fredrika," Richard said.
No arrests have been made in the shooting.