Local

'We want justice': Family remembers mother of 5 killed in home invasion

MONROE, N.C. — A family is without their mother after she was shot and killed Friday during a home invasion in Monroe.

Officers said two masked men broke into a home along Tower Court off West Franklin Street around 4:40 a.m.

[ALSO READ: Truck driver charged after woman found dead along road in Monroe]

Police said the suspects were trying to rob the home when they shot and killed Lucero Sosa Capote.

They said Capote’s five children were inside the home at the time. Two had minor injuries.

Channel 9 learned their father was at work when the robbers struck.

The victim's family said she cared for others so much, she would give them the little bit she had just to make them happy.

“I think the only word to describes her is loving. She’s caring. She has so much compassion for others,” her sister Mariam Sosa Capote said.

Mariam Sosa Capote said they’re focusing on the good memories as they prepared for her services and a visitation Tuesday night. They're thinking about even the small things like her favorite color, pink.

“We know that God will bring everything to light. He’s the one who’s going to let his light shine through all this,” Mariam Sosa Capote said.

Channel 9 spoke with a neighbor who said the family had been living at their home for the past seven years.

"I looked out there and there was yellow tape surrounding the whole house. Honey, it shocked me to death," neighbor Ruby Dean said. "This is a quiet neighborhood. I ain't never been in this situation before."

[ALSO READ: 911 calls released after mother shot, killed driving to nursing school]

Neighbors said Capote didn't deserve to be killed that way, but their hearts also ache for the children.

"I know y’all are going to miss y’all momma. And I'm gonna miss her as a friend, but don't worry about her, she's with God,” Dean said. "She was such a nice lady."

Police said the two suspects were both wearing sweatpants, hoodies and some kind of cover over their faces.

While investigators continue to search for the killers, those who knew the victim are hoping for peace.

"I'd like for everybody to try to get along and love each other because some of this stuff needs to stop," Dean said.

The victim's family said they have faith that justice will be done for the young mother.

“We do want justice. I’m sure her friends, the community wants justice,” Mariam Sosa Capote said.

Anyone with information should call the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.

Check back for updates on this developing story.