SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A picture of Angelica Marie Bravo sits surrounded by balloons and candles after her death at the front steps of a family home in Sacramento.
According to the Sacramento Police Department, the 28-year-old mother was found dead inside a home off Didcot Circle Monday around 7:30 p.m.
"It's just a very sad situation for the family," said Tong Vue, a nearby neighbor.
Vue and other nearby neighbors say they're in shock and heartbroken.
Police are searching for Bravo's two missing children, four-year-old Athena Lee and two-year-old Mateo Lee, who are believed to be with their father, Camron Lee.
Customs and Border Protection let them know his car, described as a grey 2023 Honda Passport, had gone into Mexico July 9.
"Locating the kids right now is our #1 priority and so what we'll be doing as a police department is using every resource we have available, and we're going to be working with every partner agency we can from federal, state and local agencies," said Sacramento police spokesman Officer Anthony Gamble.
Police say they haven't been able to reach the father and they don't know where the two children are. Detectives are trying to nail down details about the relationship the two may have had.
Police ask anyone with any information on the children's whereabouts, regardless of how minor a detail may seem, to contact the department at its tip line 916-808-0560 or by email at missingpersons@pd.cityofsacramento.org.
"We have feelings and I have two (grandkids), my granddaughter is two years old and my other granddaughter is five, so seeing them in that situation really makes you feel hurt," added Savindra Raj, a nearby neighbor.
Bravo's family, friends and police are pleading with the community to speak up if they have information on their location.
Vue says, whatever the situation may be, he's hoping the father will deal with it and let the children go.
"Whatever happened, they're innocent. They don't know anything, what's going on. They have a life ahead of them. Hopefully, he'll bring them back or find a way to give them to somebody who will take care of them," Vue said.
Bravo's family and friends are planning on holding two vigils in memory of their daughter, sister and mother and friend.
One is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Mixed Institute of Cosmetology and Barber on Florin Road. Another will be held at the Federico Beauty Institute on Sports Drive in Sacramento at 8:30 p.m. Friday.
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