Children remember Brittney Harris, vow to preserve her legacy after killing in Madera County
MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Brittney Harris' children are sharing memories of their mother and the legacy they say she leaves behind following her death in Madera County.
On Thursday, Harris' family returned to the Denny's parking lot where she was killed. Family members laid flowers, lit candles and prayed at a growing memorial.
Harris' children described a mother who overcame challenges, pursued her goals and always prioritized her family.
"It encouraged me so much after my mom has been through so much in her life, like so much. And yet she still accomplished a lot of goals. And before her passing, she accomplished most of the goals that she wanted to accomplish," said her daughter, Audrina Moreno.
Harris graduated from Merced College's nurse assistant program and was working toward becoming a registered nurse while raising four children. Her children said she shared her accomplishments with them and encouraged them through her example.
"She was the strongest woman I've ever met in my life," Moreno said. "It sucked that her life got taken so soon because she was making a new life. She flipped a switch and she really wanted a new life and she was creating that and it was beautiful."
According to the Madera County Sheriff's Office, Harris was shot and killed Sunday morning in a Denny's parking lot. Her estranged husband, 51-year-old David Moreno, is being held on a murder charge in connection with the killing.
RELATED: Family identifies woman killed in domestic violence dispute in Madera County
For Harris' children, the loss has left a void in their daily lives.
"I wish all I had to worry about was just like working for days a week, just going to football, just going to school," said her son, Carlos Moreno.
He said his mother remained devoted to her children despite life's difficulties.
"She was a very strong woman. And she always fought for what she believed in. No matter how hard her life was. She really always did try her hardest to be there for us and for her family, no matter what," Carlos Moreno said.
At times struggling through emotion, he reflected on how he hopes his mother will be remembered.
"I want people to know that she was always there for her children. Her children were always her priority. That's all she really was worried about," he said.
The family's memories extend beyond major milestones. They remember a mother who never missed football games, shared late-night karaoke sessions and supported them through difficult moments.
Now, Audrina, Carlos and their older brother, Izaya, are leaning on one another as they navigate life without her. Audrina said she has taken on new responsibilities, including driving her younger brother to school each morning.
Despite their grief, the siblings say they are committed to ensuring Harris is remembered.
"Sometimes I just sit there and wish, you know, she was back. But I know all I can do is just try to live in her legacy, try to live a life that I know she would want me to live," Carlos Moreno said.
Audrina Moreno said preserving her mother's memory has become a mission.
"I will never stop fighting for her," she said. "They're going to know her name. They're going to know who she was. They're going to know her story. And she will never be forgotten. And I will make sure of that."
The family is still finalizing funeral arrangements and said the service will be open to the public. They said Harris will be laid to rest surrounded by roses and carnations, her favorite flowers.
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If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
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