Laws keeping us from attending 7-year-old girl's burial in Honduras, Jacksonville family says

The mother of 7-year-old Heidy Rivas Villanueva, Beatriz Villanueva, spoke before television cameras Thursday in what will be her final public statement for a while.

Villanueva showed strength as she read from a statement during the news conference. It’s been 12 days since her 7-year-old daughter, Heidy, was taken from her.

“A lot of hugs and kisses were not given, many birthdays were not celebrated,” said Villanueva in Spanish.

RELATED: Cousin of 7-year-old shooting victim: “Why did they [shoot] my cousin in the head, she’s innocent!”

A funeral was held for the 7-year-old earlier this week, but now, loved ones are preparing to send her body to Honduras, where she’ll be laid to rest. Nearly $20,000 have been raised to help the family with the cost.

“It’s painful because I would like to go bury my daughter but because of the current state of immigration my husband and I won’t be able to go,” said Villanueva. Citing the current “immigration plan that would not allow us to return to the United States."

Villanueva said they decided to bury Heidy in their native country so that they’ll always have a place to visit her in case they ever need to leave the U.S.

Villanueva thanked JSO, the media and the public and at the end asked for privacy so her family can start the healing process.

RELATED: Family of 7-year-old killed grateful to JSO for hard work, protection

Villanueva and Heidy’s father are seeking counseling to help process their grief.

“Heidy had something special,” she said.

Villanueva said Heidy always talked about studying to become a doctor or a police officer. It’s why she and her husband decided to come to the U.S. so that she could have that opportunity.

The fifth suspect connected to the case was arrested Wednesday. Villanueva said she's not ready to forgive right now, but with time, she might be. She talked about how her faith in God is the only thing that is keeping her going.

Despite her death, she said her young daughter is still touching people’s lives.

My daughter’s birth was a blessing, and when she died she continued to be a blessing. She will always be my blessing,” Villanueva said.

If you would like to help Heidy's family reach their fundraising goal to have their daughter buried in Honduras, click here.

RELATED: Another donation jar meant for murdered 7-year-old’s family stolen

Cox Media Group