The father of a 4-year-old girl who police said was murdered by her own mother says the family is devastated, according to a statement.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 5:23PM
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The father of a 4-year-old girl who police said was murdered by her own mother did everything the law asks of a parent to protect their child, according to a statement from his attorney’s office.
In a statement, the family’s attorney shared photos of 4-year-old Vivian Savella, along with a statement that her dad trusted the courts, followed every order, and waited for the process to work.
The Houston Police Department said Vivian was found shot to death in west Houston on Tuesday night, and her mother allegedly turned the gun on herself but survived.
Sources close to the family told ABC13 that a family court judge had just granted custody of Vivian to her father, and she was supposed to be turned over to him Tuesday night.
ABC13’s Sarah Al-Shaikh will be following this story throughout the day. Tune in to the later editions of Eyewitness News, starting at 3 p.m.
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