The Catawba County community is honoring three family members who were shot and killed in the Maiden home

MAIDEN, NC (WBTV) – The close-knit community of Maiden honored the three people killed in a shooting this week with a prayer vigil Wednesday evening.

Jenna Cox and her parents Kevin and Cyndi Cox were shot to death Tuesday at the family's home on PJ McRee Road.

The first police arrested Issac Nathaniel Christenbury shortly thereafter and charged him with three counts of first-degree murder.

“They were a really, really strong family, very loving, and Jenna herself had the best smile, the best energy,” said Jaclyn Buntic, Jenna Cox's longtime friend. “They were just a great family, one of the coolest families I've met in my entire life. What was going through my mind? [was] How could you, why?”

Initial police said a 10-year-old boy was at home at the time of the shooting but was uninjured. The family confirmed that the child is Jenna's son.

Friends, relatives and community leaders showed signs of support and love for the boy at Wednesday night's prayer vigil, held at the Malorie's Place relief center in Maiden.

“It's nice to bring the community together, come together and let him know that he has support and that there are people here that care about him,” said neighbor Chris Mayhew. “They were very nice people, they were at home, they didn’t meet any strangers.”

Buntic will always remember Jenna Cox, 28, for her creativity, positive energy and smile. She said the Cox family was always kind and helped her through some difficult times.

“Anyone who crossed Jenna’s path, even if they only met her once, will remember her forever,” Buntic said. “I couldn’t believe that someone could walk into their beautiful home and take their own life just like that.”

Christenbury's first court appearance was Wednesday morning. If convicted, he faces either the death penalty or life in prison.

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