SEATTLE — The family of an 8-month-old baby is speaking out just days after police say he was shot and killed by his own father.
"It was extremely excruciating, there are no words when you get a call like that," said Reyna Cruz, the infant's aunt.
The boy's 35-year-old father was arrested for fatally shooting the baby on Wednesday in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood. According to the Seattle Police Department, he told officers he was high on PCP and blamed his actions on demons.
Cruz, who told KING 5 she is the sister-in-law of the boy's mother, said the family is struggling with the loss.
"How do you move forward? That was an 8-month-old whose life was taken in the worst way possible," she said. "He's nothing but the most sweetest, angelic little man. He had nothing but a bright future ahead of him. His smile was contagious. Anytime when he was around anyone, he immediately lit up the room. It's extremely excruciating. [We'll] always remember his smile."
It isn't lost on the family that this tragedy occurred just before Mother's Day.
"That was her baby boy. How do you go through another holiday constantly being reminded, just days before, who you lost? It's horrific," Cruz said.
She told KING 5 the boy's mother recently started a business and has vowed to build it in honor of her son.
As they navigate their grief, the entire family is hoping the comfort of the community will guide them.
They've set up an online fundraiser to help with funeral costs.
"All we're asking is for the community's help to lay her baby boy to rest and take the time off that she needs to," Cruz said. "She deserves it and so does he."
Editor's note: The baby's age has been updated to reflect the birthdate provided by the medical examiner's report.