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'I am lost for words': Longtime friend of Brooklyn Centre shooting victim speaks of loss and disbelief

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Posted at 6:40 PM, Jan 15, 2023
and last updated 2023-01-15 23:13:02-05

CLEVELAND — A longtime friend of one of the four victims, Angelic Gonzalez, said she is still in disbelief after Friday night's shooting in Brookelyn Centre.

"She was more than just a friend, she was a sister," said, friend, Gloria Hernandez.

Hernandez said Gonzalez and her raised their children together over the last 10 years until Gonzalez moved to Cleveland from Chicago in 2021.

"I am so lost, I am lost for words,” said Hernandez. “I not only lost my best friend, I lost my nephew, I lost her husband, even her dad, who she lived out there for.”

Hernandez said she had spoken to Gonzalez on the phone 12 hours before the incident.

"I talked to her for hours every day," Hernandez added. "She called me 7:55 that morning so bubbly and happy."

Cleveland police have arrested a 41-year-old suspect, who is now facing aggravated murder charges. Police said the suspect is Gonzalez's half-brother. Gonzalez’s 8-year-old daughter is the only remaining survivor. She’s still in critical condition receiving medical care for her injuries.

"They were moving in the right direction as a family and I was so happy for them," said Hernandez. "They were getting along so well, this is just like why, why?"

RELATED: Man shoots, kills 4 then flags down officers, 8-year-old in critical condition Cleveland Police say

Neighbors are asking the same question; why?

"It's terrible, I was heartbroken," said neighbor, Frank Carroll. "They were real nice people."

Hernandez hopes for more answers from police soon, as she learns to navigate her new normal.

“How do I move on?” said Hernandez. “How do I figure out my day to day without hearing from her? I texted her last night and I said I wish you could talk to me.”

A GoFundMe has been set up by family and friends to help with funeral costs. Click here if you’d like to donate.

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