HOUSTON – Family and friends of Christina Abner held a vigil on Friday to remember the 33-year-old mother who lost her life in a domestic violence dispute this month.
Police say 35-year-old Keith Lee faces murder charges in the shooting death of his wife, Christina, along with three counts of injury to a child. He is scheduled to be in court on January 31.
During a balloon release held in Christina’s memory, her brother Brandon Abner told those in attendance that his heart is broken. He described his sister as a great mother, sister, and friend.
“I’m not going to lie to y’all. It’s hard for me to keep it up...I’m trying to keep it together, y’all, but forgive me,” said Brandon while tearing up.
“She really cared for those kids, and she really loved Keith—you know, and it’s sad the way that it happened,” he added.
Investigators say Keith Lee brutally beat his three children on the same night he killed his wife.
“Let this be an example for anybody who’s going through something; these domestic violence issues are serious,” said Brandon.
Christina’s family is working to pick up the pieces left behind by this dark moment.
“We’ve set up our GoFundMe account because we are going to need a lot of help getting these arrangements done,” said Brandon. “If you can’t spare a dollar, just say a prayer for my family,” he added.
Brandon is choosing to focus on his sister’s light.
“Christina will be deeply missed,” he said.
He urges others in dangerous situations to speak up for their safety.
“A lot of people are going through things, and you know, the thing that really gets me is that everybody will keep it to themselves because we are so grown, and we don’t want to reach out when we know we need to reach out,” said Brandon.
The family told KPRC 2 that Christina’s three children face a long road to recovery. Two are out of the hospital, but her three-year-old is still in the hospital in fair condition. Christina’s funeral is scheduled for December 30 at Next Generation Church in Houston.
In an effort to help victims, KPRC 2 News created a series, “Breaking Free,” reporting on domestic-related violence and its horrific consequences. The series showcased various stories of survival, heartache, and some even ending in death, but each shared a list of free domestic violence resources on how to get help. Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Breaking Free: The state of domestic violence in Texas
Breaking Free - What is emotional and psychological abuse?
Breaking Free: Helping African Americans de-stigmatize abuse, learn to ask the right questions
Breaking Free: The red flags of an abusive relationship and tips on how to leave
Breaking Free from Domestic Violence: Far too many cases to count in Harris County
Breaking Free: Ways loved ones can support domestic violence victims
Do you need help? Free Domestic Violence Resources
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.