Family, friends gather to remember missing woman and children

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Sunday marked a day of mixed emotions for the family of a Volusia County woman who was allegedly murdered along with her two children.

It would have been Yessenia Suarez's 29^th birthday, and in two days, her son would have turned 9-years-old.

“I know they said they’re deceased, but until they’re found, 1 percent of my heart says they’re still alive somewhere,” said Suarez’s mother, Felicia Perez.

Loved ones came to the family’s home in Deltona Sunday afternoon to sing, pray and remember birthdays they all shared.

In between tears, there were still moments of joy as they celebrated their lives.

“We have a huge family and because of our faith as a family, and in God, we will find Yessenia and the kids,” said Suarez’s step-father, Ruben Perez. “If anybody has seen anything, don’t be afraid to contact Crimeline. There is a reward out there.”

This week will mark 10 months since they were last seen alive.

Suarez and her husband, Luis Toledo, were having marital problems that prosecutors said led to the three murders.

Searches spanned central Florida for weeks to find the missing family.

Even though their bodies have not been found, Toledo is still being charged with three counts of murder.

His trial is set for October.

WFTV