Community rallies for family of girl shot to death outside Sportsplex

TAYLOR, Mich. - A man shoots and kills a 7-year-old girl, critically injures her mom, then takes his own life.

Hundreds came to a fundraiser at JP McGuire's Wednesday night to honor the memory of Emma Watson Nowling, 7, and show support to her mother Sharon Watson, who is recovering.

Steve Thomas, like many who took part in the event, did not know the family.

"Any time a little girl passes away like that, it is heartbreaking," he said.

Nicole Thornton and Becky Yanos organized the fundraiser.

"All of us that helped us come together, we all have children," Thornton said. "It hits too close to home. It's in our backyard. It is a community member and I can't imagine what I would do if I had to go through that."

Emma was shot to death outside the Taylor Sportsplex Dec. 3. Her mother was shot in the head and hand, but survived. Police say the gunman was a family friend, 57-year-old Timothy Obeshaw.

Several businesses donated prizes for raffle drawings, the money will go to helping Sharon on her road to recovery and allow her family to be there every step of the way.

"We asked for some donations here and there and we got a huge outpouring from the community," Yanos said. "We are overwhelmed."

Emma's father was at the fundraiser but was not able to do an on-camera interview. He said he was extremely grateful and is overwhelmed by all the support they are getting.

His longtime girlfriend Watson is recovering but has a long way to go.