Family seeks justice for Fil-Am mother shot dead in front of her children

Frances Kendra Lucero lost her life at age 27. CONTRIBUTED

DALY CITY, Calif.- Frances Kendra Lucero is not forgotten.  She lives in the hearts of those she left behind suddenly and violently against her will, says her mother Liezel Chan Lucero.

On Friday, March 7, Chan Lucero will join City Council member Juslyn Manalo in leading a candlelight vigil at the stairs to the front doors of City Hall here from 4 to 7 p.m. to honor Frances Kendra, eldest of her three children, who police say was shot and killed by her ex-partner two years ago.

The event, which Chan Lucero calls her daughter’s “Angelversary,” commemorates the second year the Lucero family has been fighting for justice for Frances. The ceremony also marks Chan Lucero’s new role as domestic violence prevention advocate.

Family and friends gather in prayer at Frances Kendra’s gravesite last year. CONTRIBUTED

Losing her daughter spurred Chan Lucero to be “active in our community—not just to share” Frances Kendra’s “heartbreaking story,” but also to “raise awareness that domestic violence has no place in our society,” Chan Lucero told Inquirer.net USA.

“I am asking the community to unite to ensure that the voices of all victims are heard, and that justice is served,” she reiterated the appeal she has been airing since the tragedy occurred that rainy March 6 just outside her home in Daly City.

Greater awareness

Months after Frances died, Liezel bravely bore her sorrow and stood onstage to enjoin support for her family’s pursuit of justice for their fallen daughter before 150 community leaders at the 20th anniversary of ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment, the all-volunteer family and intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention nonprofit based in Daly City.

“We were honored to shine the light on Liezel Chan Lucero and her family’s efforts to bring greater awareness of IPV,” ALLICE 2023 co-president Junior Flores said in welcoming Liezel to the milestone event.  “We stand by her and all who have lost loved ones to domestic violence or are suffering in abusive relationships. Each of us is responsible for the safety of the community and that begins with learning about the dynamics of abuse and what could happen without intervention.”

Last year Liezel, her husband Florendo, their children Florenz and Francine, and Frances Kendra’s children Rayanne and Rayden planted a tree in San Mateo’s Central Park in memory of all who have lost their lives in the hands of those who should have protected them.  The event was sponsored by CORA or Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, the domestic violence service agency in San Mateo County.

On Frances Kendra’s first death anniversary, family and friends converged at her gravesite to remember her and the joy she brought in her brief 27 years of life, Liezel recalled.

Frances Kendra worked at an optometry office and ran a business making crystal ornaments for healing and wellness.  She was devoted to the family and was an only child for nine years before the first of her two siblings was born.

“I could count on her to watch over the younger kids while I was at work and they loved her like a second mother,” Chan Lucero shared.

Warning signs

After Frances Kendra became a mother when she became involved with the father of her son and daughter, she remained close to her parents and siblings, even moving into her parents’ home when the situation required.

Liezel says she noticed nothing particularly alarming about her daughter’s relationship, which she says seemed typical of young working couples.

Now she knows more conversations might have revealed a need for help.

“When advising families with members in on again-off again relationships, it is important to encourage open communication and awareness of the dynamics of the relationship as this can help them feel supported and less isolated,” says the finance professional.

One of the significant lessons she has learned from attending prevention presentations is to recognize signs that “indicate potential for violence,” she added.

Most importantly, she said, “Families should help the member develop a safety plan, which includes recognizing dangerous situations and knowing where to seek help if needed.”

Connection

Recently Chan Lucero spoke at a domestic violence awareness meeting organized by the City Council of South San Francisco in collaboration with CORA’s education campaign against what its CEO calls a “silent crisis.”

Liezel Chan Lucero has become an advocate for domestic violence prevention. CONTRIBUTED

Karen Ferguson in a statement last year pointed to “disconnection” as “one of most pervasive and often overlooked” contributors to the “silent crisis affecting relationships at every level.”

“It may sound simple, but the truth is connection is at the heart of what makes us all human,” she said, asserting the need to “rebuild connections that sustain us” to strengthen families and prevent violence.  Such, she emphasized, “requires collective effort.”

Connections are in order for the Luceros and their caring circle.

The Luceros stay connected and updated on social media on the status of fight for justice. CONTRIBUTED

Frances’ younger sister Francine helped her mother launch “Justice for Frances” on Facebook to keep their network apprised of developments in the criminal case against the defendant, who is currently in custody in San Mateo County.

They are “raising awareness about women who have been threatened or killed due to domestic violence and guns.” To date the public group has 306 members.

Friends also launched an Instagram account for “updates on our quest for justice.”

“We need to be heard and never forgotten,” urged Liezel Chan Lucero.

Twice the trial has been postponed.  But the Luceros are undeterred.

“Though our case may take time—a journey that can often feel interminable—I want to make it clear that I will not give up. I am prepared to wait, to fight, and to stand firm until we achieve the justice that my daughter deserves,” Liezel vows.  “Together, we can bring about the change necessary to protect others and honor the memory of those we have lost.”

People seeking information about CORA services may call the agency’s 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 300-1080.  For resources for couples and families, visit  the ALLICE A-List directory of services at www.allicekumares.com.