YAKIMA, Wash.- The family of 17-year-old Angelica Santos is still planning for life after losing a loved niece, friend, daughter and mother.
Santos was identified on Wednesday as the deceased body found in the home of Elias Huizar.
The Amber Alert issued Monday night was for Huizar and Santos’ 1-year-old son, Roman.
The family was horrified watching the events unfold and only seeing everything through social media. Their main concern being Roman..
“I did not know if he was okay, if he was alive, if he was safe,” says Megan Foley, Santos’ aunt. “We were all in horror and terrified for his wellbeing.”
As the news confirmed the death of Angelica, who the family lovingly call Jelly, it’s still the time for mourning.
“Everybody is grieving,” says Foley. “There has been going to bed crying, waking up crying. Some laughter in between going through memories, of course.”
Family have described Jelly as a loving, bubbly personality. A soul that would put others first no matter the situation.
“She had a smile that could light up an entire room,” says Foley. “It don’t matter who you were, they would light up. She cared about everybody. She had a really big heart. “She was caring, and kind and she was one of the greatest moms I’ve ever seen.”
Santos’ biggest pride in life was her son. Her family felt a massive weight off their shoulders after seeing video of Oregon State Police rescuing Roman.
“It was the first time anybody smiled after finding everything out,” says Foley.
Jelly’s aunt says that Roman is on his way to be reunited with the Santos Family.
As the family grieves, memories are being shared. Foley is left knowing her last memory of Jelly is a happy one.
“She had Roman on the trampoline,” recalls Foley. “She was running around in circles around the trampoline, chasing after him. She’s sitting there giggling and he was sitting there giggling, crawling across the trampoline.”
The family is still waiting to plan for funeral and memorial services until Jelly is returned from Richland.
Until they can say goodbye, Foley wishes she could tell Jelly one last message.
“I love you and you’re amazing. I’m so proud of the woman you became.”
