INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) – A week after a mother and her 2-month-old baby died in a police shooting in Independence, dozens of people stood inside an Independence apartment complex holding candles. Together they sought comfort and strength.

Thirty-four-year-old Maria Pike and her baby girl, Destiny Hope, were killed last thursday at the Oval Spring Apartments near MO-291 and 23rd Street.

On Friday night, Felisha Holder, Destinii’s aunt, looked around as people decorated billboards with photo posters and messages in marker.

“It means a lot that the community feels what we feel,” Holder said. “It means the world. It won’t bring her back, but at least we know we have a lot of support here.”

Property manager Carrie Lufkin organized the vigil. She choked up while addressing the crowd.

“We need to come together as a community and be strong together. And I’m here to support you every second of it,” Lufkin said.

Lufkin brought teddy bears for the children, hoping they would bring them some comfort. Holder addressed the crowd with gratitude, but her anger and outrage were not far behind.

“Why? Why would he do that? That goes through all of our heads. Why?” she asked in a pleading tone. “We want justice. We want answers.”

Independence Police they were called to the apartments on the afternoon of November 7. Holder said Destinii’s grandmother was seeking help, reporting that Pike was violent. The family believed Maria would be arrested and helped. They said Pike was diagnosed with postpartum depression.

Police said Pike had a knife and that an officer fired at least one shot, but they haven’t said much else, including whether the mother or child was hit by gunfire.

Investigators are reviewing body camera footage, but it has not been released.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker was at the vigil to offer support to the family. Asked about the case, she said she understands the pressure for investigators to be quick, but prefers that they be thorough.

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