Deputies collecting donations for kids affected by tragic stabbings

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Last month, a tragic stabbing left a father and four children dead. Now, the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office needs help collecting donations for children who live in the community and have been greatly affected by the awful attack. 

On July 6, authorities were called to a mobile home on Emory Lane, which is in the Loganville area. Responding officers found a father and four children, who had been stabbed to death. The victims were identified as Martin Romero Mora, 33, and his children, Isabela Martinez, 10, Dacota Romero, 7, Dillan Romero, 4, and 1-year-old Axel Romero. 

Their wife and mother, Isabel Martinez, 33, was arrested and charged with six counts of aggravated assault, five counts of murder, and five counts of malice murder, according to the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. Martinez is also covered by an immigration hold order issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A fifth child, identified as Diana, survived the attack and was taken to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. 

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The attack shocked the tight knit mobile home community and deeply affected the children who often played with the young victims on a nearby playground. On Monday, the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office took to Facebook in hopes of collecting items for the kids who continue to grieve over the horrific tragedy. 

"We'd like to do something special for these children, but we'll need your help to do it," the sheriff's office said. 

Deputies are collecting items such as new toys, stuffed animals, school supplies and clothing for the kids. Anyone who'd like to donate can drop off at Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) headquarters located at 2900 University Parkway in Lawrenceville. Donation bins are located at the security station at the front doors.

The following items are needed:

Boys

• Approximately 12 boys ages 6-12 years
• Approximately 5 boys under 6-years-old

Girls

• Approximately 14 girls ages 6-12 years
• Approximately 2 girls under 6

Since posting the public plea, the sheriff's office said the response has been great and someone has already offered to purchase a brand new playset for the community. 

The GCSO said once they've received enough donations, they'll deliver the items to the children, along with some sweet treats provided by Kona Ice. They also plan on taking gifts to the survivor of the attack, Diana.

Diana Romero, 9, told a case worker her mother stabbed her father and siblings while everyone was sleeping. She also said her father tried to get help before he too was stabbed. 

Martinez has pled guilty. 

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