• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

 Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) - There was no shortage of tears and prayers at a somber show of support for a mother and daughter who were viciously murdered.

On Friday night, family, friends and even strangers came together at a rosary service outside the home where the bodies were found.

Police describe the scene they walked into on Monday as one of the "most horrific" they've seen in recent memory.

Yadira Martinez and her 10-year-old daughter Karla were beaten to death. Investigators now say Karla was also raped.

Mourners say Karla was a bright little girl who leaves behind many friends.

"She was cute, nice. She was awesome. She was an awesome friend," cried Gabrielle Acosta, a friend and former classmate of the 10-year-old.

A police presence kept the media at a distance from Friday's gathering. The immediate family of the victims did not comment.

Friends who stayed behind spoke out but did not want to speculate over a motive. For now, friends say all they can do is pray for the father Arturo Martinez, who remains hospitalized with severe head injuries.

"All I can say is he loved his kids and they were a really tight family and really loving friends," said family friend Mabel Salcedo.

There is one miracle those grieving are thankful for: that the killer spared the lives of 4 and 9-year-old boys.

The 9-year-old was the one who prompted the investigation. He showed up at school on Monday and told administrators that his mother and sister had been killed.

For everything that was done to this family, animosity is not something that is going away.

"Rot in hell. Rot in hell," said neighbor Regina Davis. "For somebody to do something like this, it's sick, and I hope they find them."

Police still have not officially confirmed if a weapon was used in these killings.

If you'd like to help the family, including the young boys who survived, there is a fund set up. You can make donations to the 'Martinez Family Memorial Fund' at any Bank of America location.