Roby said Handley's four boys are ages 11, 10, 8 and 6.

She said Bray never had much to do with his son. He promised to step it up at one point, but Handley eventually ended the relationship, she said.

Handley recently started a cleaning business, she said.

"She was heading in a new direction," Roby said. "She was trying to do more for her children."

Bray didn't like it when Handley's business began to take off, she said.

"It just spiraled out of control, with him not being able to control her," she said. "It's really pathetic."

Roby said Handley had not told of any recent abuse by Bray. Police said Handley had not filed any complaints against him. Bray's family could not immediately be reached for comment.

Roby said the shooting was senseless.

"It's a very traumatic situation that's taken our family to the brink," she said.

Handley was fun-loving and kind and protective of her children, Roby said. At the holidays, she brought it all together.