MIAMI – The four children of a mother who was shot and killed outside a Miami homeless center will remain in the custody of their grandfather, Patrick Donnell.
A judge made the ruling Thursday, and another hearing is scheduled in juvenile court Aug. 4.
Police said Anshamere Cephus, 28, was shot 12 times outside the Chapman Partnership homeless center in the 1500 block of North Miami Avenue by her 26-year-old boyfriend, Victor Pino.
Pino was arrested Wednesday evening on a charge of second-degree murder.
A Department of Children and Families investigator said Cephus and Pino were arguing at their home in front of the children. That's when Cephus allegedly left the house and told her kids she would be right back. The three boys and 7-month-old girl were left alone. They never saw their mother alive again.
Investigators said the family had a history with DCF involving domestic-violence allegations.
The father of the three boys is Mark Morale, who has been incarcerated since April 11.
The paternity of the baby girl is unclear at this time. Police said Pino is her father, but family members of the victim said he is not the father.
Pino also faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and tampering with evidence.
Court records show Pino was convicted on a domestic violence charge last spring and has prior drug convictions.