San Bernardino remembers school shooting victims one year later

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (FOX 11) - Karen Smith's son wishes he could go back to the time his mom was still alive.

"It's hard to believe she's gone and knowing I won't ever see her again," said Rod Smith.

The San Bernardino community came together Tuesday at Sandals Church to remember, the North Park elementary teacher along with her 8 year old student Jonathan Martinez.

Both were gunned down a year ago with Smith's estranged husband opened fire in the classroom where she worked with special needs students.

"It was a nightmare that's all I can say it was a literal nightmare," said the school's principal Yadira Downing.

Karen's daughter was moved to tears remembering the eight-year-old boy caught in the middle of the domestic violence.

"Just like my mom was a victim, he was a victim. I don't know what it's like to lose a son, I know what it's like to lose a mother and I miss her every day," said Jennifer Smith

A nine year old student was also hurt, but survived.

The shooter was Cedric Anderson, he shot and killed himself.

But no mention of him was made Tuesday .

From the community's pain, they created a video with images of how students have come together to become stronger

"We want to look at the positive and we want to look at what's next for us other than the constant pain," said Downing.

Karen's daughter Jennifer says losing her mom has been painful, but has helped her focus on Karen's passion for her students

"My mom poured her heart and soul into the special needs community in San Bernardino," she said.

Karen's daughter says she is in the process of to starting a scholarship foundation in her mom's name for San Bernardino school district grads.