Family and friends pay tribute to the family killed in the shooting

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – Family and friends honored the lives of Breille Mestre and her parents, Bertha and Raymundo, after their son Adlai allegedly killed all three just weeks ago.

“It’s a complete shock, still kind of processing. Dear God, I don’t know. I’m serious, just talking about it brings back the emotions,” Todd Trautwein said.

“It’s just hard to deal with. I never would have imagined that in one short year she wouldn’t be here,” said Kerry Trautwein.

On October 13, Bernalillo County officers arrested 24-year-old Adlai Mestre for allegedly shooting his mom, dad, and 17-year-old sister Breille. He is also accused of killing their family dog.

However, as the investigation continues, family and friends simultaneously mourn this tremendous loss.

“It affected all of us. This took its toll on patients. This took its toll on families. It had an impact on staff,” said Liliana Prado-Bujanda, executive director of the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation.

Breille was a patient at Carrie Tingley Hospital for a decade. Thanks to the foundation, she had the chance to try out several programs, such as adaptive cycling.

“It’s kids like Breille who really lead the way and open up opportunities for other kids who, honestly, didn’t think they could come along for the ride,” said Todd Trautwein, who knew Breille.

Todd and Kerry Trautwein met Breille through the foundation. They brought back one of their favorite memories of Breille – the time she saved a turtle.

“We both stopped our bikes and jumped off, and she saved the turtle. She took him to the ditch. It was a kind of crossing, as if it wanted to go this way. She told me, ‘Hey, I used to have a turtle as a pet, I know exactly what to do,'” Trautwein said.

The Trautweins explained that memory perfectly captures who Breille was.

“It was her kindness towards everyone she met, everything she encountered. She exuded this kindness. We will miss her and the world will miss her,” Todd said.

The foundation’s Prado-Bujanda says they want to make sure Breille’s legacy lives on by helping more children.

“All funds received from the scholarship fund in her name will be used to provide adaptive equipment for another child or group of children who would like to continue to participate in adaptive cycling or wheelchair soccer for her,” Prado-Bujanda said.

If you would like to donate to the Breille Mestre Memorial Scholarship Fund or learn more about the Carrie Tingley Foundation, please click Here.