Grandmother of girl killed outside Taylor Sportsplex: 'We will get through this'

TAYLOR, Mich. - She loved playing soccer, so beside a field lit for the evening was a vigil to remember a beautiful 7-year-old girl.

Song and prayer in Taylor one week after 7-year-old Emma Watson Nowling was ambushed and murdered by a family acquaintance.

Police say 57-year-old Timothy Obeshaw shot Emma and wounded her mother Sharon. He then turned the gun on himself and ended his own life.

Emma's grandmother Pam Watson who is Sharon's mother, thanked those who stepped up to help her family during this unspeakable tragedy.

"All the emails and texts we've received from hundreds of people," she said. "Donations. It's felt in our hearts.

"We would like to thank the church for coming, performing for us and giving prayer with us. It comforts us. We know that we will see Emma again someday and that keeps our faith strong.

"We will get through this by the grace of God."

Emma's father Shane attended the vigil for his daughter. Emma loved emergency responders and wanted to be a police officer.

During the vigil Taylor Chief of Police Mary Sclabassi named Emma as an honorary Taylor officer. Sclabassi presented the family with Emma's police certificate complete with a set of department handcuffs.

"One week ago we were all shocked by this tragedy," said Mayor Rick Sollars. "Tonight we stand here united around this family to hopefully provide strength for them."

Emma's mother Sharon continues to recover at Oakwood Hospital.

If you would like to donate to the family CLICK HERE for their GoFundMe page.