Friends and Family mourn the loss of Mallicia Tipps

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Tears were shed for the woman who was murdered inside the McKinley Mall last week. Her name is Mallicia Tipps.

"It's hard to believe that anything like this could happen to someone like her because she was so innocent," said William Scurry, Tipps' first cousin.

Tipps was stabbed and killed by her ex-boyfriend last week. Her friends and family gathered on Norway Park in Buffalo to share memories.

"She was the definition of a true friend," said Tiffany Smith, her close friend. "I just wish I could hear her voice again because I have so much to tell her."

"She was more of a sister than a friend," said Dominique Kimble, her close friend.

"Growing up, she was like our little baby, you know? And friendly but she wasn’t one to make a whole lot of noise at all," said Scurry.

Mallicia worked with Kaleida Health at Buffalo General for 13 years. Her most important job was as a mother.

"She took care of them with everything she had. We're all hurting and suffering the loss, but they've lost so much more," said Scurry.

She leaves behind her three children, Leon, 16, Leah, 15 and Noel 14.

The link to the GoFundMe set up to support them can be found here.

Scurry had no idea there was any trouble at home.

"Honestly, I don't think she had any idea either. She was completely blindsided," said Scurry.

The family has a message for any victims of domestic violence.

"What we’ve come to realize is that it doesn’t end with the relationship ends, we want to make sure that anyone that’s experiencing something like that that they know that and keep themselves protected at all times."

Find more information as to why these cases seem to be on the rise and where victim's can find help.

Funeral services are being held on Saturday, October 5th at True Bethel Baptist Church.