cause she never was properly loved. 

Angelique's biggest dream was to have a family and children. She doted on her nieces and nephews and was godmother to Smith's 14-year-old daughter. She even recently graduated from a program to become a home health aide to help care for her sister's two children with autism.

 My sister was loved by so many people, and she tried to be helpful and support as many people as she could, even though she needed just as much support,  Melanie said.

Before her death, she told Melanie that she and Washington were looking for an apartment together and posted on TikTok that they were trying to have a baby.

 She said he was good to her,  Smith said.  I didn't really hear nothing bad. 

But Washington has seven felony convictions, according to NYPD officials. He was released from prison in 2023 after serving three years for a Queens reckless endangerment conviction after he opened fire on a 21-year-old man on 141st Ave. in Springfield Gardens. His victim wasn't wounded.

Friends and family recalled that Apostol and Washington broke up at one point over Washington's controlling behavior, especially around Angelique's social media use.

 She said he was too overprotective,  Smith recalled.

The day police believe Angelique was killed, Washington posted a video of himself at an event for the King of Kings Foundation, a Queens-based anti-violence organization.

 To us, it's still a shock,  Melanie said.  Sporadic grief comes here and there, and then the anger comes. 

 I used to cook Thanksgiving with her every year, and this year I don't even want to be a part of Thanksgiving,  he added, her voice breaking.  I don't want to cook anything. 

One thing would bring her solace.

 I just want this person caught and justice,  she said.  I don't want him to be released again. 

Cops are asking anyone with information regarding Washington's whereabouts to call NYPD CrimeStoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.