Boy is violently killed by his mother in San Jose, Calif

A boy is violently killed by his mother leaving his father and family grieving over his death. Mourners brought with them balloons, flowers and photographs of Liam’s unforgettable smile.

Boy is violently killed by his mother in San Jose, Calif

Family and friends embrace a grieving father as they mourn the death of 7-year-old Liam Husted, who authorities say was killed by his mother.

“He was a great kid,” said Liam’s father, Nicholas Husted. “I just want everyone to know it was unbelievable.”

Liam’s father, Nicholas Husted, spoke at an emotional vigil at Liam’s favorite park in San Jose Thursday night. It will be two weeks on Friday when young Liam’s remains are found outside Las Vegas. On Tuesday, Liam’s mother was arrested for his murder.

Liam’s father wanted the vigil to be solely about Liam, not the investigation or his mother. Liam is described as a normal child with more energy than most, intelligent, mischievous and full of love.

Mourners brought with them balloons, flowers and photographs of Liam’s unforgettable smile.

Authorities said Liam’s mother, Samantha Moreno Rodriguez, killed her son on May 28. They have not disclosed how he died. Liam’s remains were found near a hiking trail west of Las Vegas.

Nicholas Husted said he last saw his son the night of May 23 before Liam’s mother left San Jose with Liam.

When Nicholas returned home from work, there was a message from Liam’s mother saying she was leaving him and was sorry she didn’t want to do it this way.

As part of Liam’s weekly routine in the park, he would run up a hill. Liam’s father ran up that hill on Thursday night in honor of his son. Liam’s mother was arrested in Denver and is awaiting extradition to Las Vegas.