Family of murder victims to open safe house

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. (WABC) -- A mother from New Jersey is trying to turn her unbearable pain into something to help others.

The mother spoke about the brutal murders of her daughter and granddaughter.

Police say her daughter's boyfriend did it.

Now, they are campaigning to build a domestic violence safe house.

"I don't have words. I don't have tears anymore to share for my daughter and my granddaughter. It hurts too much," said Rosena Pitts, the victim's mother.

It's incredibly hard for Rosena Pitts to talk about the murder of her daughter Tam Marie Pitts Gaddy and her 5-year-old granddaughter Natasia.

But it's something her family feels they have to do in a way of honoring their memories.

"They were two precious jewels to the family. The link has been broken. The family is devastated and traumatized," said Pastor Angel Frazier Tanner, the victim's sister.

Bergen County prosecutors say the 41-year-old mother was stabbed to death by her boyfriend, 34-year-old Michael Brady during an argument.

He then allegedly smothered her daughter with a plastic bag after the 5-year-old witnessed her mother's death inside their Englewood, New Jersey apartment.

"There was always something uncomfortable about him when I looked into his eyes. I told my daughter there's something frightening in his eyes. She said, 'Mom you just need to get to know him,'" Pitts said.

The family is talking exclusively to Eyewitness News about their pain because they're starting a foundation to raise money to build a domestic violence safe house.

"Reach out to someone. Call for help. Do what you need to do for your safety. Police a foundation anybody. We're here too," said Keith Pitts, the victim's brother.

Helping others is one of many ways they're remembering a mom who helped the homeless and a little girl who loved dressing up like a princess.

"It's hard they'll be missed. It a part of our family link that is no longer here. We know with prayer we'll get through," said Belinda Merritt, the victim's sister.

Brady remains in jail.

Bail was set at $2 million.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, hindering apprehension and weapons offenses.

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new jersey, englewood, domestic violence, murder, new jersey news, carolina leid

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