WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- A D.C. woman has a strong message about domestic violence.
After losing her oldest sister, her niece and family friend, Kaneesha Malcolm says her niece's boyfriend is accused of killing all three and wounding a fourth.
"If you are in a toxic domestic violence relationship just please go and never look back," said Malcolm.
Malcolm said her niece, Shaneka Walters, had a volatile relationship with the accused killer and in fact she was going to court for a restraining order the Monday before she, her mother and friend were killed.
"We're going through a lot of pain, my mom is being so strong for us," said Malcolm.
The tragedy happened in November on Friday the 13th.
While the world was consumed with the terror attacks in Paris, Kaneesha's family found their world falling apart.
Police say 34-year-old Clifford Browne Jr. shot Kaneesha's sister Lakeysha Walters (40), her niece Shaneka Walters (25), and their friend James Gibson (45).
Family said Shaneka kept returning to that toxic relationship.
"He threatened to kill her. I've witnessed it. Seen him put his hands on her choke her. He pulled a gun on her and told her if I can't have her no one can and she broke up with him," said Malcolm.
Browne does have a criminal record that includes drug, theft and numerous assault charges.
The family has to prepare for three funerals during the holidays.
"She kept saying auntie, I just want to be around my family," said Malcolm. "Our first chance was going to be Thanksgiving. The whole family was going to get together. It was going to be a good time."
Browne is charged with three counts of first and second-degree murder
The fourth person who shot was a family friend who survived.
The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral costs.
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