SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The friends and family of Brandi Mells gathered in Syracuse to say goodbye to the one they love.

Brandi was one of the four people brutally murdered in Troy just before Christmas. She was living in the downstairs apartment with her partner Shantay Myers and Shantay’s two children, JJ and Shanise. All four were found dead the day after Christmas.

Brandi's family asked Spectrum News to come to Syracuse so they could tell stories as they come to grips with tragedy.

"She was always just the party of the group. Always making us laugh, making sure we are OK and everything. Now she's not here, and we need to make sure we are fine for her," said Tyrene Owens, a friend of Brandi.

Two men, James White and Justin Mann, were arrested in connection with the deaths and sit in Rensselaer County Jail awaiting trial.