Watch CBS News

Emotional vigil held for 3 children who police say were drowned by their mother on Coney Island

Vigil held for 3 children who were drowned at Coney Island
Vigil held for 3 children who were drowned at Coney Island 00:41

NEW YORK -- An emotional vigil was held Thursday night for three children who police say were drowned by their own mother on Coney Island.

Candles were lit and balloons were released along the boardwalk in memory of 3-month-old Oliver, 4-year-old Lilana and 7-year-old Zachary.

READ MORE: 3 children dead after drowning incident on Coney Island

They were found Monday along the shoreline of the beach at West 35th Street.

"All of us lost three precious lives here. It's sad, terrible, heartbreaking," New York City Councilmember Ari Kagan said.

READ MORE: Mother Erin Merdy faces murder charges in drowning deaths of her 3 children

A wake for the children was also held.

Their mother, 30-year-old Erin Merdy, faces three counts of murder and remains at a psychiatric hospital in Brooklyn.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.