FORT WORTH, Texas — Pink and white balloons filled the sky in honor of the two young sisters killed in a shooting during the Fourth of July in Fort Worth.
Their mother, Sharde Mills, fought back tears as shared the impact of losing her daughters - Ivy and Wynter.
"They were sweet, just sweet. They were my noise. My house is so quiet now," Sharde Mills said.
Her daughters did not survive gunfire during a fireworks gathering that turned violent. Police say, the suspect Kanard Trent Murphy, shot five people, killing a 15-month-old girl, a 4-year-old girl, and an adult man.
Twenty-six-year-old Murphy has been charged with capital murder of multiple persons, police say. Murphy was also shot during the incident. Police say he is at a local hospital being evaluated.
The Tree of Life funeral home owners Andrew Kirkland and Parish Lowery, who hosted the balloon release, shared why they decided to help the families at no charge.
"Not because I am a pastor, not because I am funeral director. I was devastated because I am a father of 3 girls," said Lowery.
Family, friends, and even strangers gathered for a balloon release Friday at Village Creek Park to remember the victims.
"Balloon releases are ways and a symbol to release the soul back into eternity," said Kirkland.
Just hours before the two girls were killed, Fort Worth PD said 200 to 300 people gathered on Castleman Street to watch fireworks when gunfire erupted. A bullet also fatally struck 39-year-old makeup artist and business owner Latasha Hymond as she streamed live on Facebook.
After back-to-back years of similar deadly shootings, police encourage communities, neighborhoods and organizations to include them in planning their events that will draw large crowds.
"Let us help you with the planning of your event so we can make them safe for all who come and want to enjoy themselves for the holiday," said Officer Tracy Carter
Just like police, community leaders hope the balloon releases raise awareness about gun violence that's cost innocent people their lives.
"We need peace in our community," said Rodney McIntosh, "Because these types of moments should not be happening."