One year later: Family remembers 7-year-old killed in shootout with special ceremony

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A celebration of life was held at McGirt's Creek Regional Park on Jacksonville's westside to remember this 7-year-old girl named Heidy Villanueva.

Heidy's parents, who speak Spanish, talked about how much their little girl means to them at the event.

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"She was beautiful, friendly," said Angelica Villanueva.

Heidy's life was just beginning. She was headed to the first grade, but her life was cut short by a stray bullet last year.

Heidy was killed while sitting in a car off 103rd Street.

She and her father were waiting for her mother to get off work.

Heidy's father says his daughter fought and he stayed with her right until the end.

Since that shooting, a total of five people have been charged in connection to Heidy's death.

"He tries to live just one day at a time. Every day is a different one," Leonel Rivas said about Heidy's father.

Heidy's life was remembered with the release of three doves.

The family moved from Honduras to Jacksonville to get away from the violence there.

Heidy's parents say she had big dreams. She wanted to go to college and get a job so her mother wouldn't have to work.

Heidy's mother says it's hard not to cry when she thinks about her daughter.

"With the help of God and because she has Ashley, the little one by her side too," said Villanueva said. Ashley is Heidy's sister.

Heidy's father is now concerned about gun violence and safe places to take children.

"He (Heidy's father) worries about the situation in the city. He has been in parks where there have been children and shootings. It's something that worries him. They did something stupid and they ruin his life and her life," added Rivas.

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