Dwyane Wade's aunt Diann thanks God for the time she had with slain daughter

Jardine Malado Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Dwyane Wade referred to his cousin's shooting as another act of senseless violence. | Wikimedia Commons/US Embassy London

Nykea Aldridge, cousin of NBA superstar Dwyane Wade, was killed by a stray bullet in a Chicago neighborhood last Saturday. During the vigil for Nykea, her mother thanked God for the time they spent together.

Nykea, a mother of four, was only 32 years old. She was out on a walk with her baby when she was gunned down in Parkway Gardens by suspects Darwin and Derren Sorrells.

"Her life is gone and she can't come back. This is my baby girl. Just a life that's gone too soon," she said while showing a photo of her daughter to the media. "Too soon, too soon, she was taken away from us. But by the glory of God, we have her children, her four children," Dianne Aldridge said at the vigil.

"And I just thank God once again for allowing her to be in my life. For me to give birth to her â€” along with her dad to raise her up to be the woman that she is or was. She will be greatly missed, and I just thank God for her right now and always. Always," Aldridge shared.

The vigil was held last Sunday at the New Creation Church where Dwyane's mother, Jolinda Wade, serves as a pastor. Jolinda led the people in prayer and asked them to pray for the mother of the shooters as well. Dwyane did not attend the vigil.

Nykea and her boyfriend David Harrison were reportedly planning to get married. Thoughts about a wedding began when Nykea recently caught the bride's bouquet at her friend's wedding, according to Nykea's sister.

The suspects, the Sorrell brothers, were arrested on Sunday. Police said their intended target was a driver who was dropping off some women where Nykea was struck. The suspects reportedly exchanged unfriendly glances with the driver before the shooting occurred.

Both suspects were out on parole and have deep ties to the Gangster Disciples. Derren was convicted in 2012 for vehicle theft. He was released just two weeks before the shooting. On the other hand, Darwin was sentenced to six years in prison for a felony gun charge in 2013. He was released earlier this year. Both men are charged for murder and attempted murder. They are currently being held without bail.