Less than two months ago, a 4-year-old girl lost both her parents to gun violence in their southeast Loveland home.

Her parents, Jessie and Jared Haley, died April 23 when Jared Haley shot his wife and then killed himself.

Now, the orphaned girl is living with family friends along with her 18-year-old half sister, Emma Haley, as they wait for the child’s custody arrangements to be determined by Colorado courts.

The rest of Emma’s family members live in Utah.

First United Presbyterian Church pastor Howard Dotson said the church has established a fund through FirstBank to help cover the costs of taking care of the child while her fate is decided on.

How to donate People can donate to the fund by depositing money at any Colorado FirstBank into the Haley Children Fund. They also can drop off donations at First United Presbyterian Church, 400 E. Fourth St., in downtown Loveland.

“My favorite verse in the Bible is ‘Care for the widow, the orphan, the stranger,'” Dotson said. “And so, I mean, this little one is an orphan — this (foster) family is doing great to step up but could use some support.”

Betsi Haley, who lives in Utah, is Jared Haley’s ex-wife. She is Emma Haley’s mother and has two other children with him.

She said the fund is to help her family with everything from basic care for the 4-year-old to traveling costs.

“We really have no idea what’s coming our way because this isn’t something any of us has experienced,” she said. “Every day we don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s so many pieces — it’s unbelievable.”

The fund was started in early June and will be open for donations through September.

So far, Dotson said, the fund has raised just under $1,000.

“We really want to keep Emma and (the child) together,” Betsi Haley said. “We feel that’s the most important. Emma has always been there for (her) — she’s always had to step in and take care of her.”

She said she wants the fund to take care of her kids and the 4-year-old girl who lost their father.

“There are so many kind people who want to help, and even though my heart is broken, it’s heartwarming to see,” she said. “I hope out of this tragedy something good can come of it. It just seems senseless right now.’

Betsi Haley said there are several people willing to raise the 4-year-old girl, which she sees as a testament to her character.

“She’s just an amazing little girl, and I look at my children, and she looks just like them,” Betsi Haley said. “She is completely innocent in this situation, and she deserves nothing but love. I would do anything for my kids and that little girl.”

Betsi Haley said she would love to raise the girl in Utah but will leave it up to the courts to decide what’s best.

“I don’t really have words for it. It’s just so heartbreaking, and we just want to make sure she is taken care,” Betsi Haley said.

Dana Rieck: 970-635-3630, rieckd@reporter-herald.com or twitter.com/DanaRieckRH.