Family Of Murdered Brooklyn Mother Claims Law Never Protected Her

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The family of a Brooklyn woman who was allegedly murdered by a man she planned to marry at one time claim the law failed to protect her.

CBS2's Emily Smith reports Deneisha Smith was choked to death Saturday afternoon at a cellphone repair shop in Flatbush where she had been employed a few months. Police arrested Smith's former boyfriend Rolanso Luxune in her death.

"She did not deserve this. Deneisha is a sweetheart. There is no way she deserves this," said Althea Dawkins, Smith's sister.

Dawkins said her sister had a court order preventing Luxune from contacting her, however, he would routinely walk by her home and office.

Dawkins said Smith broke off the relationship with Luxune after learning he had a family.

"When she found out the guy was married she broke it off. He hit her. We have a court date right now, trial going on still," said Dawkins, adding the incident happened in July.

The two sisters lived in an apartment building together only a half-mile where Smith died.

"I have seen her every day. She is a very nice person. I can't get over this," said neighbor Martin Lowe.

The suspect has yet to be arraigned because police said he stabbed himself in the stomach.

The family is trying to raise money to have Smith buried in Jamaica where her parents live.

They care for her 6-year-old son from a prior relationship.