‘I'm trying to be strong’

WENDELL McIntyre, the husband of 36-year-old murder victim Candy Ann McIntyre, says despite his pain and grief over the death of his wife, he was trying to be strong and maintain his composure for the sake of his four children.

Speaking with Newsday yesterday, McIntyre said he was concerned for his own safety but wanted to be strong and comfort them as they too were grieving the murder of their mother

"I'm afraid those people will be after me next. The children are really broken up but I am doing my best to be strong for their sake. We are just doing out best to try and cope with it."

The McIntyres were married since 2001.

Candy Ann was shot and killed while leaving her 12-year-old son's graduation ceremony at a banquet hall along Santa Barbara Boulevard, Santa Cruz on Tuesday.

She was a former state witness in the murder of her brother ten years ago.

Investigators said while no arrests have been made as yet, they were viewing CCTV footage of the incident.

Newsday spoke with Roxanne Corbie, manager of the Police Victim and Witness Support Unit who said their officials would have reached out to McIntyre's children and immediate family to offer support and counselling after her death.

She said they expected to continue their support and presence over the next few days.