LORTON, Va. — The family of a woman reportedly killed by her boyfriend inside a car is choosing to honor her by raising money for her children to go to college.
Alison "Kate" Laporta was brought to Fairfax Hospital by her boyfriend, 47-year-old Huy Tien Nguyen, on Wednesday, April 17. She had been shot and later died at the hospital. She was 38.
Nguyen initially told officers that his girlfriend had been shot in a parking lot. However, investigators say that wasn't true and claim Nguyen actually shot Laporta inside a car before driving her to the hospital. He has since been charged with second-degree murder.
Brennan Zubrick described his cousin as a fun, gentle, and laid-back person. He said Laporta took command of her life after having her two children and getting a job at Safeway where she worked her way up to management.
"She really took command of her life," Zubrick said of his cousin who always had a smile and wanted to try new things.
Zubrick said the day he learned of his cousin's death was a tough morning. His mother called him multiple times while he was at work. After learning of what happened, he bumped into a family member on his way home and had to break the news to them.
"I've experienced people close to me dying before, but I've never had it be such a gruesome tragic end," he said.
While grieving their family member's violent death, Zubrick said relatives are leaning on one another and focusing on how to help Laporta's children, 10-year-old Conner and 20-year-old Katlin, get good educations. They want to put their efforts into raising money for the kids' college funds.
"Our grandparents always said education is something that is your ticket," Zubrick explained.
The family has started a GoFundMe to raise $30,000 for Laporta's children. Click here to help donate.
Loved ones said Laporta was proud to work as a manager for a Safeway in Alexandria to support her kids.
"We want to honor Kate's memory and how much she wanted this for her kids and how important her kids were to her," her cousin Brittany Polson told WUSA9. "It's tragic. She doesn't get to be here to see the dream fulfilled."
Detectives arrested and charged Nguyen. He was then taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he is being held without bond.
Anyone with information regarding this shooting is encouraged to call police at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web Click HERE.
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