DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County mother says she's vowing to stay strong for the two little girls her daughter leaves behind after she was shot to death inside of her own car.
Family members told Channel 2's Matt Johnson they believe someone targeted her.
"My main thing is to keep the girls up in spirit," Tammy Veal said.
The 4- and 6-year-old girls that Ashantee Veal, 27, leaves behind are without their mother but they're not without their faith.
"They say their mom is in heaven," Tammy Veal told Johnson.
Friday evening, Ashantee's family released balloons into the sky in her honor.
Tammy Veal is staying strong by not thinking too much about the murderer who killed her daughter.
"That's one thing I'm not going focus on because it would tear me down and right now, this is my inspiration right now," Tammy Veal said talking about her grandchildren.
Ashantee Veal died Sunday night in south Fulton County when police say someone shot her and another man inside her car.
Her mother said Veal was dropping off her nephew at a house near McNair Middle School at around 5:50 p.m.
Soon after that, police found Ashantee Veal in her car with six bullet holes through one of the windows.
"I was devastated," Tammy Veal said. "She was an inspiration to everyone."
Tammy Veal said she believes the killer followed her daughter before opening fire and also injuring the man with her.
She says Ashantee's purse and ID were stolen too.
"People are cruel for whatever reason, it could be jealousy, it could be a breakup, it could be anything," Tammy Veal said.
While they wait for answers, the family says the balloons helped them say one more goodbye.
"It symbolizes life and her life and she's free with the angels," Tammy Veal said.