Friends and family remember Detective Miosotis Familia on the 7th anniversary of her death

Family and friends gathered to honor the life and legacy of Detective Miosotis Familia, who was fatally shot while working a night shift in the precinct seven years ago.

She was killed on July 5, 2017, leaving behind three children.

“She was shot in the head for no reason, just about an hour into her shift,” said her eldest daughter, Genesis Villella.

Villella was only 20 years old at the time and had to adopt her 12-year-old twin siblings.

“A mom, a dad and a big sister – all in one,” Villella said. “Unfortunately, my mom had to miss really important milestones, like when I enrolled Peter and Deliiah in high school.”

Villella says that for her mother, being a police officer was more than just a job.

“That was her calling. That’s what she was put on this earth to do… She lived and breathed for the NYPD and this family, just as she lived for us,” Villella said.

Seven years later, Detective Familia’s family is still fighting to claim the pension she would have been entitled to if she were alive today.

Villella also established a scholarship in honor of her mother to be awarded to students who are passionate about pursuing a career in law enforcement and who possess the qualities of a future exemplary NYPD officer.