BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Gerardo Rivera is the brother to 34-year old Audreyanna Rivera, better known as Audrey.
On Friday, Rivera's family and friends gathered for a celebration of life for Audrey and her son at Basham Funeral Services.
"She was a loving person and we are all hurting," Rivera said. "She has a lot of friends and family who loved her and care about her."
Audrey was shot and killed on Easter Sunday. Authorities say her on-and-off boyfriend 36-year-old Javier Vidal, shot Audrey.
Moments later he took their 2 -year-old son Elias and eventually dropped him off.
Officers tracked down Vidal on Taft Highway. Vidal was in a standoff with SWAT before he was shot and killed.
According to the family, Audrey was nine months pregnant with Vidal's son, Josiah when she was shot.
Josiah was on life support until he passed away on April 15. On Friday, dozens attended the funeral for both. Many dressed in shirts to honor their memory.
Ten people were permitted into the viewing at a time to practice social distancing. Following the viewing, an open mic began for those to share memories of Audrey.
"I just want to thank God for giving us her for the time that he allowed," said Bernice English, sister to Audrey. " I am grateful that I was able to spend some of her last weeks here and I am going to miss her hitting me up for coffee."
The family says Audrey and Josiah were placed in the same casket, so they stay together forever.
"We all love her and wish she was still here with us," Rivera said.
"You deserved so much better than what you had," English said. "You were a special girl, a great woman, and a mother. You deserved the best and it breaks my heart she couldn't see what she was worth."
On Saturday, the family will be hosting a private burial service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family says they are asking the community to join them in participating in one of Audrey's favorite past times, taking a drive.
Family and friends will cruise in their cars starting at 12:30 p.m. from Hillcrest cemetery to Hart Park.
