Hundreds show love, unity in vigil for mother, daughter gunned down in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Hundreds of Long Beach community members joined grieving relatives in a candlelight vigil through a neighborhood Saturday night where a mother and her 4-year-old daughter were murdered.

Carina Mancera, 26, and her daughter Jennabel Anaya were gunned down in front of their home near 9th Street and Locust Avenue after grocery shopping on Aug. 6.

Luis Anaya, who was with Mancera and Jennabel when they were killed, pleaded for help from the public.

"I just want to thank everybody. I just want help finding the guy who did this. If anybody has any information, just please step up," he said.

The walk and vigil was organized by Epic Strong Gym, which focuses on athletics and community development in an area where residents cope with drug activity and violence.

"This neighborhood, a lot of people here feel helpless. They're scared. They're terrified, and we wanted to do this walk purposely at night to take our night back," said Jaiya Figueras, owner of Epic Strong Gym.

Authorities are offering a $40,000 reward for information that will help police track down the gunman.

Residents who took part in the walk hope their show of love and unity will send a message.

"People need to be aware that heartless crimes and crimes for no reason affect everybody," Long Beach resident Lisa Carrasco said.

Anyone who has information that may help in the case is urged to call Long Beach police homicide detectives at (562) 570-7244 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.