Pico-Union parish unites behind family after father is charged with killing his sons

Parishioners and neighbors in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles are gathering nightly to pray the rosary for the family of two boys killed in October. Jimmy, 4, and Osmani Gramajo, 11, were shot on Oct. 11 near St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Police believe their father killed the children before turning the gun on himself. The father remains in custody while receiving hospital treatment.

Father Mario Torres, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, is supporting the mother, a parishioner, and the local community following the deaths. The boys were connected to the parish, as Osmani attended religious education and his older brother served as an altar server.

Marilsa, the boys' aunt and an active member of the parish, said the nightly prayers at a memorial near the family home have helped her and her sister feel less alone. Father Torres is assisting the family as they prepare for funeral services.