Tuesday night in Ballston Spa, young children were trying to cope with the sudden and violent death of one of their friends.

A vigil was held for 12-year-old Emma Jones, just days after she was killed by her own father in a double-murder suicide.

Friends, family, and classmates poured onto the Ballston Spa football field, with phones held high in memory of Emma.

“I never knew a family member could be like that to such a sweet and innocent person; it really doesn’t make sense to me,” said a Ballston Spa Middle School student.

Authorities found Emma and her mother Jennifer Jones dead in their home on Adams Circle. Emma’s father, Steven Jones, was also found dead inside the home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police believe he is responsible for both their murders.

“There are certain things we can’t fathom and we don’t have good explanations for, and we have been pretty direct with the kids about this,” said Superintendent Ken Slentz.

Her classmates are now left to cope the best way they know how, in unity. Teachers and counselors described her as an active student who loved sports, art, and music.