Children mourn mother shot and killed in domestic violence incident: 'She was everything to us'

REEDLEY, Calif. -- A Central California family is mourning after police say a man shot and killed his wife in front of their family and two adult children over the weekend.

Law enforcement identified the gunman as 43-year-old Michael Rocha, and identified his wife as 43-year-old Yesennia Rocha.

"She was the light of our world," their daughter, Kayla Rocha, said about Yesennia. "She shined very bright. She was always there for me and my brother. She was everything to us."

"I just wish I could see her one more time, hold her one more time, tell her I love her, give her a hug, but that man took everything away from us," their son, Jacob Rocha, added.

Authorities say Michael fled the scene but was later tracked down on Sunday afternoon.

After a short pursuit, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said a gun battle began, and Michael was shot and killed by deputies.

"My son was the world to me, and their mom was the world to them, and now both families are destroyed," Michael's mother, Rita Rocha, said through tears.

She said the couple started dating in middle school and had been married for 25 years, but had been separated for the last two months.

"He couldn't cope with her filing for divorce," Rita explained. "He didn't want to live without his sweetheart. He didn't want to live without his soulmate, the love of his life, and he didn't want her to live without him, so he chose the cowardly way out."

The couple leaves behind two adult children.

"To be a grandmother to mine and my sister's kids when we get to that point, unfortunately, I'll never get that, and he took that away from us," Jacob said. "I wish there was something that could've helped him."

The children are leaning on family and faith to get through this tough time.

"I do find the littlest peace knowing that she is resting in a better place," Jacob said.

"I see her everywhere. I see her in a beautiful day, in a Christian worship song, in clouds. I see her in flowers and plants, because she loved all of those things. I see her in the mirror because I look just like her," Kayla said through tears.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page for those looking to help during their difficult time.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.