Family of slain Montebello mom say there is some comfort now that suspected killer is dead

MONTEBELLO, Calif. (KABC) -- The family of a pregnant mother of three who was killed allegedly by her estranged husband mourned the loss during a barbecue in Montebello.

Alicia Acosta, the mother of Roxann Acosta, received an embrace during the event, which had been planned about two weeks ago. She was surrounded by friends and family, all of whom continue to grieve for Roxann.

The 28-year-old woman was shot by Christopher Diaz on Aug. 6 inside an apartment, police said. He was killed Friday during an officer-involved shooting while detectives were searching for him.

"I know it's not going to bring her back, but it gives me a lot of comfort that he's where he belongs," Alicia said.

Montebello police had Diaz under surveillance. When they tried to stop a car he was the passenger in, they said he jumped out and ran into a neighborhood. Authorities chased him to the backyard of a home, where they say he pointed a gun and opened fire.

Authorities returned fire, killing Diaz. Alicia Acosta said her daughter had filed for divorce from Diaz and that he was angry Roxann was in a new relationship. Her family said while Diaz was on the run for nearly two weeks, it was a tense time.

"It was pretty scary. I'm not going to lie. I know that little jerk was out there. I truly felt that he was out for more blood because he has no heart. He was a heartless person - cold-hearted killer," she said.

Alicia said her focus is now to take care of her youngest daughter and be there for Roxann's three children.

"I can lay her to rest now," Alicia said.

Money that was collected during a car wash and through donations on a GoFundMe page will cover the cost of Roxann's funeral.