"There's a hole in our hearts:" Family, friends remember victims of Azana Salon mass shooting



BROOKFIELD (WITI) -- Two years later and the pain is still fresh as family and friends remember three women murdered at Brookfield's Azana Salon and Spa.

Inside the Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield Tuesday evening, October 21st, three candles were passed in a circle to honor the three women -- Zina Daniel, Maelyn Lind and Cary Robuck. All were fatally shot by a gunman who injured four others before turning his weapon on himself.

"It's very difficult being here today, but it's important for us to honor their memory and their name," said Elvin Daniel, Zina's brother.

Elvin Daniel has become an advocate for domestic violence awareness since the day his sister was killed. The shooter was Zina's estranged husband.

"There's a hole in our hearts that will always be there," said Daniel.

But nothing demonstrates the time that's passed since the shooting like two-year-old Xander. The grandson of Maelyn Lind was less than two months old when she was killed.

"She at least got to meet him and he got to meet her and we make sure that she's still a part of Xander's life," said Kaela Lind, daughter of Maelyn.

Maelyn's daughter said her son is helping the family move on, but the loss still feels like yesterday.

"I think it's still just as painful I think that takes a lot of time," said Kaela.

Inside the vigil, heads are bowed for three minutes of silence.

Over the last two years, the Women's Resource Center has provided support to the victim's families. They were there on Tuesday evening to offer counseling.

It's also fitting that the Sheraton opened its doors to Tuesday's vigil. It suffered its own mass shooting at a church service about nine years ago.

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