Pico-Union parish unites behind family after father is charged with killing his sons

Parishioners and neighbors in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles are gathering nightly to pray the rosary for the family of two boys killed in a shooting. Jimmy, 4, and Osmani Gramajo, 11, were shot on Oct. 11 near St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Police believe their father killed the children before turning the gun on himself. The father remains in custody while receiving hospital treatment.

Father Mario Torres, the pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, is supporting the family, who are active members of the parish. Osmani participated in the parish religious education program, and his older brother served as an altar server. Marilsa, the boys' aunt, said the nightly prayers at a memorial near the family home have helped her and her sister feel less alone.

Father Torres is helping the family prepare for funeral services.