HENDERSON, NV (FOX5) -
A memorial fund has been set up for Renee M. Bassett, 47, who was shot by her ex-husband in an apparent murder-suicide at her home in Henderson on Tuesday.
According to police, Bassett's ex-husband showed up at her residence about 5:30 p.m. The two got into an argument and the ex-husband shot her before taking his own life outside the home.
Police said the victims' 13-year-old son was home when the murder-suicide occurred. He heard shots and called 911.
The victims have a 12-year-old son as well. He lived with his father and was not present when the murder-suicide occurred. Bassett's sister, Penny Fife, is now caring for both boys.
"You talk about it for a moment, and you cry for a moment, and then a minute later you're joking and laugh and life's normal until the next time you start crying," Fife said.
Bassett had her own dental practice and was a strong advocate of children with autism. One of her two boys is autistic, according to her family.
"She was a strong woman," Fife said. "Independent thinker, great dentist, great mom."
The memorial fund was set up to aid the two boys. More information is available here.
Fife is trying to figure out how to care for the new additions to her family.
"I need to be able to look at these boys and say, 'you have a college fund,'" Fife said through tears. "I can't look at them and say, 'so sorry you don't have one, but your new brothers do.'"
The official identity of Bassett's ex-husband will be released by the coroner in the coming days.
Funeral services are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Christ The King on Tropicana Avenue and Torrey Pines Drive.
Bassett's death marks the first homicide in Henderson so far in 2013.
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Renee Bassett
