A 27-year-old mother is gone, her family is grieving, and a 7-year-old girl is now at the center of a heartbreaking investigation in New York City.

Police are searching for a man investigators believe is responsible for the *** of Lovay Williams, who was found unresponsive inside her Washington Heights apartment on Sunday. Authorities are investigating the case as a possible domestic-violence ***ing, according to information released in connection with the investigation.

Williams’ family says her 7-year-old daughter was present during the incident. The revelation has deepened the family’s grief as relatives now face not only the loss of a beloved daughter and mother, but also the difficult task of helping a young child cope with what happened.

Williams’ parents, Monica Manners and Nuquan Williams, remembered their daughter as a devoted mother whose love for her child was at the center of her life.

“She loved her daughter deeply,” family members said as they mourned the loss and gathered around the young girl.

On Monday night, relatives, friends, and domestic-violence advocates came together in East Harlem for a vigil honoring Williams. Candles, prayers, and memories marked an emotional evening as those who knew her reflected on the life of a young mother whose future was cut short.

The gathering also highlighted the lasting impact that domestic violence can have on families, particularly children who may be left carrying painful memories long after an investigation ends.

Police sources said investigators know who they are looking for and are continuing efforts to locate the person sought in connection with Williams’ ***. Authorities have not indicated that the investigation is complete, and the case remains ongoing.

For Williams’ family, the search for answers is happening alongside an even more personal struggle: helping her daughter move forward without the mother who was at the heart of her world. 💔

Authorities are asking anyone who may have information relevant to the investigation to contact the New York City Police Department.

As the investigation continues, Williams’ loved ones are remembering her not simply for the circumstances surrounding her ***, but for the mother, daughter, and person she was to those closest to her. ❤️🕊️

Her family now hopes that those who knew and loved Lovay will continue to stand beside her daughter during the difficult days ahead. 🙏

The investigation remains ongoing, and all details are subject to confirmation by authorities.