L-R Laianna and Lance Pierre Armstrong were killed when their mother Lashandra Armstrong drove her minivan into the Hudson River (credit: AP Photo/Youn and Unique Christian Child Care Center)
SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — A funeral service was held Monday for the three children who died after their mother drove their car into the Hudson River April 12.
WCBS 880′s Catherine Cioffi: There Were Three Small Caskets
A private family service began at 11 a.m. at the Alphonso E. Brown Funeral Home in Spring Valley, followed by a private burial at 1 p.m. in Congers. Five-year-old Landon, 2-year-old Lance and 11-month-old Laianna were killed when their mother loaded them into a minivan and drove it into the Hudson.
“They look beautiful, it’s sad just looking at them knowing that they’re just gone, they’re not here anymore,” one mourner said.
1010 WINS’ Terry Sheridan Reports: Tensions Erupt At Childrens’ Funeral
According to reports, tensions erupted at the service when a relative of the mother LaShanda Armstrong walked out of the small funeral home saying, “I don’t care. This side of the family matters.”
Three small caskets were loaded into a waiting hearse after the service.
Only the children’s 10-year-old brother LaShaun survived, rolling down a window and swimming to safety. Police said his mother tried to keep him inside the sinking van.
The tragedy stirred up mixed emotions for friends and family of the children, and of their mother, LaShanda Armstrong. She was buried alone on Thursday.
The children’s father Jean Pierre decided not to allow the children to be buried with their mother, opting instead for Monday’s separate service. It was a decision some of LaShanda Armstrong’s family members don’t agree with.
“I’m disappointed, because no matter what these are her children. The funeral plan was for her to be laid at rest with them so nobody should have changed them,” said Channise White, LaShanda’s cousin.
Do you agree with the decision to bury the children apart from their mother? Leave a comment below…
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