PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. \u2013 Loved ones of Melissa Wood gathered at Mickler\u2019s Landing on Friday to honor her memory, one week after she was killed in a double shooting at a Walgreens parking lot in Ponte Vedra Beach. <\/p>\n
The vigil brought friends and family together to share stories and memories of Wood. There were tears and even some laughter, which was healing for her daughter Sienna Valdez.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was nice to laugh and just share all the good memories and just not cry for, you know, even if it\u2019s just for like an hour,\u201d Valdez explained. \u201cBut it was just nice to see all the people that she helped and impacted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dozens stood in a circle and took turns remembering the woman they said touched many lives. Attendees shared memories about Wood\u2019s kindness and the ways she helped others in the community.<\/p>\n
Melissa Wood’s daughter, Sienna Valdez, poses next to a picture of her mother at a vigil in Ponte Vedra Beach. (Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: \u2018Had just become a grandma\u2019: GoFundMe campaign identifies woman killed in double shooting Friday in Ponte Vedra Beach<\/a> | \u2018Nothing can bring her back\u2019: Daughter of Ponte Vedra double shooting victim urges harsh punishment for accused killer<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cShe was my best friend and it\u2019s funny\u2026 I\u2019m like she would know exactly what to do to make me feel better right now. I love her,” Valdez shared. <\/p>\n One story that she says stood out to her involved her mother helping someone escape a domestic violence situation.<\/p>\n \u201cMy mom actually helped someone here get out of a domestic violence situation that she felt like she couldn\u2019t,\u201d she said. \u201cSo my mom saved her…she was a fighter.\u201d<\/p>\n Valdez said her mother\u2019s voice and wishes remain close to her heart, and she believes Wood would want family to avoid anger even as they grieve.<\/p>\n \u201cHe did the most unimaginable thing that anyone could have done. But my mom wouldn\u2019t want us to be angry with him. I know ultimately at the end of the day she would want us to forgive him, whether he deserves it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n Police have identified Christian Barrios as the alleged shooter. He is being held in the Nassau County jail and faces charges there, and in St. Johns County, officials said. Authorities say he will go through the court process in Nassau County before he is transferred to St. Johns County.<\/p>\n