People gathered at Veterans Park tonight to remember Brenda Gillet. It has been five months since her body was found by investigators. Police believe she was killed in a landlord-tenant dispute in May.
“My children and I miss you more than words can say. We miss your smile, your laughter, your voice, and the love you shared so freely,” Wendy Bonifacio said.
These are just a few words from an emotional heartfelt letter Bonifacio wrote to her sister Brenda Gillett, who was killed in May during a landlord-tenant dispute.
56-year-old Benda Gillett was a daughter, sister, aunt, friend and 20-year Army veteran who proudly served her country and community and loved her family.
“I want people to remember her as a very bright shining star, light, with a very big heart,” Bonifacio said.
Various speakers, including Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, too the podium to show their love and support to the family during this difficult time. Including the sister of missing Chula Vista mother, Maya Millete.
“I know what it feels like to miss your sister,” Maricris Drouaillet said. “I know what it feels like and I wish I could have one more conversation, one more hug, or just one more ordinary day with her.”
Today marks five months since Gillett was killed in a landlord-tenant dispute.
Gillett’s family said she had gone to speak with 41-year-old Robert Watkins, her mother’s tenant on Via Carvada in Chula Vista, but they never imagined it would turn into a tragedy.
“We want justice for my sister, she didn’t deserve to die the way she did, just to go handle an issue with a tenant and be completely killed, especially a person who’s a veteran, who served two years in Iraq at 9-1-1 and to be taken out so easily at my mom’s house it’s just not acceptable,” Bonifacio said.
Chula Vista Police responded to a welfare check on May 24 and began a missing person investigation when they found Brenda’s car but couldn’t find her.
It quickly turned into a homicide investigation after Chula Vista police said Watkins confessed to killing her.
Police eventually found Gillett’s body after a dog walker discovered it at nearby Paseo del Rey Park.
“Please know that your name will never be forgotten, your name will continue to be spoken with love, your story will continue to be share, and your memory will live on through all of us,” Bonifacio said.
In August, Gillett was laid to rest at the Miramar National Cemetery, as she wished.
She was honored with the flag and a presidential award.
“Until we meet again, you know that you are loved beyond measure, missed beyond words, and remembered beyond time. With all my love, your little sister Wendy, and her family, the Bonfacio family,” her sister said.
Monday, October 26, is the readiness hearing. Bonifacio said it is one day before what would have been Gillett’s 57th Birthday.