Shooting victim Charlene Mitchell's family says she's recovering

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - It has been an emotional couple of days for the Springfield community following Monday's shooting that left a police officer dead and a mother, Charlene Mitchell, fighting for her life.

As difficult as it has been for the community, it has been especially difficult for the families involved.

On Wednesday, Mitchell's family spoke with 22News Anchor Laura Hutchinson about the tragedy.

"I'm hurt by it, I'm angry, I'm sad. I wish I could talk to her right now," said Sharee Mitchell, Charlene Mitchell's sister.

The Mitchell family is heartbroken as Charlene remains in the hospital days after police say an ex-boyfriend, Shawn Bryan , shot her and Springfield Police Officer Kevin Ambrose before turning the gun on himself.

While Ambrose and Bryan were killed, Mitchell is still clinging to life, and her family is tortured wondering if they could have helped.

"That morning, she asked me to go with her and I feel so bad, I wish I did.  I don't know if it would've changed anything. I don't know if there's anything else I could've done,"  Sharee Mitchell said.

She says her sister feared for her life Monday morning.

"He left messages, it was nonstop and she was scared," Sharee added.

Cynthia Mitchell, Charlene's aunt, says she ended up going with her niece to take a restraining order out against Bryan on Monday and she was at the Lawton Street apartment when he started shooting. She says all she could do was run and call 911.

"I just feared for the safety of everyone. The officer, my little niece, Charlene, I just knew everyone was gone and in my heart I was feeling it. I felt I was next," Cynthia Mitchell explained.

Mitchell's family would only say Charlene's injuries are extensive and she's recovering.

"She's pulling through remarkably, I didn't expect her to pull through this way," said Charlene's cousin, Erica Kyles.

"She is holding on, and she's being strong. She has a lot to fight for."

As for Officer Kevin Ambrose, in their eyes, he's a hero who gave it all to keep their family together and now they want to thank his family for the sacrifice.

"I want them to know that we will forever be grateful for that man. He'll always be in our hearts and we'll never forget him. We'll let our niece see his picture to know this is who saved you, this is who saved your mom, this is who saved your aunt, we're very grateful," Kyles said.

Mitchell's one-year-old daughter, Savannah, was at the apartment during the shooting.

She doesn't have any injuries, and is staying with family.