Her big smile and outsized personality are what family remembered most Monday about Jennifer Fells.
Fells, a 36-year-old mother of three, was slain July 18 during a shooting spree on Tucson’s south side.
Police have said she was shot before being found inside a burning house.
Relatives of Jennifer Fells, a victim of the July 18 shootings and house fire on Tucson's south side, shared a statement Monday afternoon.
Video by Rebecca Sasnett/Arizona Daily Star.
“As one of the families that was affected by the events that took place last week, we’d like to start by sharing our condolences with all of the victims and their families,” Salyssa Alers, one of Fells’ cousins, said in a news conference the family organized.
“Jennifer was a vibrant, loud, fun-loving mom, sister and daughter, and she was taken from her children too soon,” Alers said.
Alers said she wanted the Tucson community to know that Fells’ family appreciated their support, including people in the Western Hills neighborhood where she lived. She also said the family in particular wanted to thank first responders who tried to help amidst the chaos.
“We would also like to express our gratitude to all neighbors and first responders who were hurt,” she said. “We would particularly like to acknowledge and thank Cory Saunders, who lost his life trying to save Jennifer.”
Alers reminisced about Fells’ vibrant personality and bright smile, especially when she was around her three children and extended family.
What does Alers miss most about her cousin?
“Her laugh,” she said, fighting back tears.
“She had just a loud infectious laugh. You didn’t have to even know what she was laughing about. You just heard her laugh, and you laughed too.”
Fells’ boyfriend, Leslie Scarlett, has been identified as the attacker.
Police have said he shot Fells, then set the house on fire. He then shot and wounded two EMTs at a nearby park before returning to the burning house and shooting at neighbors and firefighters.
Saunders was shot and killed, a bullet grazed another neighbor’s head and a fire captain was shot in the arm.
Scarlett’s rampage ended in a gunfight with a police officer. He died after three days in the hospital. The officer was not injured.
Photos: Vigil honors victims of Tucson shooting rampage
Community Vigil
Updated
Carmelita Sanchez, center, holds a photo of Jennifer Fells during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's south-side house fire and shooting spree. Fells, a mother of three, was shot and her body was found in a house that burned Sunday just before the other shootings started. Sanchez worked with Fells at a McDonald's restaurant.
Community Vigil
Updated
Melissa Snyder, right, girlfriend of Cory Saunders, becomes emotional as she talks with Paloma Sainz, a victim's advocate, during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's shooting. Saunders was shot and killed while helping to respond to a house fire in his neighborhood.
Community Vigil
Updated
Melissa Snyder, right, girlfriend of Cory Saunders, hugs Rachel Smith, during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, Ariz. on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's shooting.
Community Vigil
Updated
Corrine Dindinger looks at her husband, Jim, parents of Jacob Dindinger, as they meet with co-workers of Jennifer Fells, during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's shooting. Fells was shot and her body was found in a burned house, and Jacob Dindinger, an emergency medical technician, was shot and is in critical condition.
Community Vigil
Updated
Members of the Four Wind Drum group perform a ceremonial song during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, Ariz. on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's shooting.
Community Vigil
Updated
Jeff Smith, cousin of Cory Saunders, looks down at his candle as Rachel Smith helps Melissa Snyder, Saunders' girlfriend, light her candle during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's shooting. Saunders was shot and killed while trying to help put out a house fire in his neighborhood.
Community Vigil
Updated
Andy Dindinger, uncle of Jacob Dindinger, speaks during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's shooting. Jacob was shot four times and is in critical condition.
Community Vigil
Updated
Cristobal Mireles, co-worker of Jennifer Fells, speaks during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's house fire and shooting spree.
Community Vigil
Updated
Michael Runyan, center, brother of Jennifer Fells, speaks during a community vigil organized by Homicide Survivors at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, on July 21, 2021. The vigil is to honor those killed and wounded in Sunday's house fire and shooting spree. Ty Russell, left, and Kelly Woodard stand by Runyan.
