SACRAMENTO, California — Thursday marks four days since two children went missing and their mother was found dead inside a home in North Sacramento.
Angelica Bravo's family believes the children are in danger as they plead with the public about their safe return.
"It's been really hard. It's just like a nightmare you just don't wake up from," said Dawn Bodea, Angelica Bravo's mother.
For 28 years, she said her daughter has been the light of her family.
"Beautiful person, inside and out," Bodea said.
However, that was all taken away from them Monday afternoon when the mother of three was found dead inside this home off Didcot Circle in Sacramento.
"When I heard of it, I was just like in shock, and my heart just dropped because I didn't want it to be true," said Gilbert Bravo, Angelica's Brother.
Sacramento police said Angelica's two children, four-year-old Athena Lee and two-year-old Mateo Lee, are believed to be with their father, Camron Lee.
On Wednesday they shared Lee was seen crossing into the Mexico border, but they have not said when.
The family said they're not sure what caused Angelica's death, but they said the couple had a tumultuous relationship.
I just remember her telling me that she was lucky to be alive because of what she had endured the days before. And I wish I had made her, I wish I could have made her just come home with me or something," Bodea said.
Angelica's grandfather said Lee had mentioned moving to Guadalajara before and believes that's where he could be located.
The family also wonders why an Amber Alert was not sent out on Monday.
ABC10 asked Sacramento Police Department and they provided the following statement:
"We contacted CHP to inquire about an AMBER Alert. As CHP was entering that, we were notified by Customs and Border Protection that the vehicle had entered Mexico. Because of that, CHP advised they could not do an AMBER Alert."
Angelica's family said they just want answers and the safe return of her two children.
"I would say, please, just do the right thing and tell him to bring the kids home. He can be on the run all he wants, but the kids are the most important thing right now. I know my sister is watching over me... and telling me that's the only thing she wants," Gilbert said.
The family is planning to have another candlelight vigil for Angelica Bravo Friday night at 8:30 p.m. and everyone is invited.
It will be held at the Federico Beauty Institute, where she was an instructor.
Sacramento Police posted the following update Thursday afternoon.
"Our detectives have been working around the clock on this investigation. Through this, we've believe there is a potential that Athena and Mateo were dropped off somewhere in Southern California. Because of this, we've been working collaboratively with the California Highway Patrol and requested they initiate an Endangered Missing Advisory (EMA), which they have activated. We want to remind those seeing this - If you have seen these kids or have information on their whereabouts, please contact us at our Tip Line: 916-808-0560."
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