In the messages, sent through WhatsApp and obtained by several media outlets, relative Kendra Lee Miller starts to relay details.
Heartbreaking messages shared by family members of those killed in the Mexican massacre, which left 9 American mothers and kids dead, reveal the pain and anguish as they learned of the harrowing attack.
In the messages, sent through WhatsApp and obtained by several media outlets, relative Kendra Lee Miller can be heard relaying details of the tragic deaths to other family members Monday.
"Officers just came and said my mom's Suburban is blown up,'' she said on one recording.
Three women and their six children were gunned down by people who police believe are part of the Mexican drug cartel, as they drove on a highway in the border state of Sonora
Six children survived the ambush and were left stranded, prompting 13-year-old Devin Langford to walk for miles to get help.
The dead have since been identified as Rhonita Miller, 30, her 8-month-old twins, Titus and Tiana, and two of her older children, Howard Miller, 12, and Krystal Miller, 10. Miller’s vehicle reportedly exploded after some of the cartel’s bullets hit her gas tank.
“Nita, the four kids, they’re gone and dead," Kendra said in another message, according to USA Today. She later added, “They’ve been burnt to death in the vehicle.”
Two mothers — Christina Langford Johnson, 29, Dawna Langford, 43 — and their children Trevor Langford, 11, and Rogan Langford, 2, were also killed.
Five of the six surviving children were shot. Once they were discovered, the kids were taken to the hospital. Two of children have since been released, according to reports.
"Keep praying, they still have five kids hiding in the bushes,'' Kendra said on WhatsApp. "Devin walked home. Only Devin came back."
Funerals have been held for some of the victims in Mexico and will continue on through the weekend.
Police said the group was mistaken for a rival cartel group as they were traveling in several vehicles. Family members say the group was targeted. They were part of a Mormon community living in La Mora. The family has dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship.
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