A Garnerville woman whose daughter was strangled to death is trying to raise money for the two children her daughter left behind.

Donna Higdon lost her daughter, Shannon Coleman, two months ago. Coleman's boyfriend, Nixon Bourguignon, has been charged in the crime. Investigators believe Bourguignon strangled Coleman to death in a fit of rage after a fight.

Higdon says she has forgiven her daughter's alleged killer and says it was it was out of character him.

On Friday, Higdon and other relatives gathered to celebrate what would have been Coleman's 30th birthday. They also held a fundraiser Saturday for the victim's two young sons, so they can go on to attend college.

 

A basketball tournament fundraiser will also be held on Aug. 16 at Spring Valley High School.

Bourguignon has been charged with second-degree murder and is undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.