HOUSTON – A 4-year-old girl who was allegedly shot and killed by her mother before the mother turned the gun on herself Tuesday has been identified.
In a statement released through an attorney, family members say 4-year-old Vivian Savella was loved without limit by her father, Aaron.
“Our family is devastated. Vivian was four years old. She was loved without limit by her father, Aaron, and by everyone whose life she touched. There are no words for what has been taken from us,” the statement reads in part.
Vivian was shot and killed Tuesday evening, allegedly by her mother, who then reportedly turned the gun on herself. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Police said she is expected to survive.
While briefing members of the media Tuesday night, police said there had been a child custody hearing involving Vivian and her mother earlier in the day. The statement released by the family confirms Vivian had been placed in her father’s primary care by a judge.
“Aaron did everything the law asks of a parent who is trying to protect his child. He trusted the courts. He followed every order. He waited for the process to work. On Tuesday, a judge placed Vivian in his primary care, and she was supposed to come home to him that evening. She never did,” the statement reads. “We ask the public to remember that there are fathers everywhere who fight quietly, patiently, and within the law to protect their children. Their stories are rarely told, and they should be.”
The family says they are grateful to everyone who has reached out with kindness and asks for privacy as they grieve.
Full statement below:
“Our family is devastated. Vivian was four years old. She was loved without limit by her father, Aaron, and by everyone whose life she touched. There are no words for what has been taken from us.
Aaron did everything the law asks of a parent who is trying to protect his child. He trusted the courts. He followed every order. He waited for the process to work. On Tuesday, a judge placed Vivian in his primary care, and she was supposed to come home to him that evening. She never did.
We ask the public to remember that there are fathers everywhere who fight quietly, patiently, and within the law to protect their children. Their stories are rarely told, and they should be.
We are grateful to everyone who has reached out with kindness. We ask for privacy as we grieve.”
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