A mom and her teenage daughter died in a shooting Saturday in Trenton.

Those who knew young Jairah Biggs and her mother, Malika Whiting are trying to come to grips with the tragedy.

Gabrielle Williams was Jairah’s mentor at the Gear Up program the teen attended to prepare her for higher education and shared photos with News 12 of her during program activities.

“It’s very unfair. It’s hurtful. I’m angry,” said Williams.

Williams only met Jairah Biggs last summer, but she says that’s all the time it took her to form a bond with someone who showed so much potential.

Tragedy struck Saturday morning at a home on West State Street, just steps away from the New Jersey State House.

“It’s really a shame that it ended like this before she could even reach high school,” Williams said.

On Saturday morning, investigators say that they responded to a shooting. They found 13-year-old Jairah and her 40-year-old mom dead, both shot inside the home. They did not release any information about a motive or who pulled the trigger.

“I’m angry because it’s senseless. It’s just senseless. A mother and her daughter, especially someone like Jai and Malika, it doesn’t make any sense to me,” said Williams.

Following the shooting, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora sent out a statement that read in part, “No mother and daughter should ever be taken from this world in such a tragic and violent way. Trenton will not rest until justice is served, and we will continue to work every day to build a safer future for all our residents.”

Trenton Public Schools Superintendent James Earle says the district sent out grief counselors to all city schools. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirms one person has been detained on unrelated charges and no charges have been filed in relation to the homicides on Saturday.

“I just think it’s a loss that we’re never going to fill in the community,” said Williams.

"It is with profound sorrow and heartbreak that we learned of the senseless and devastating loss of Malika Whiting and her 13-year-old daughter, Jairah Biggs. The news of this horrific act of violence has shaken our community The family's roots are in the community and throughout the City. No mother and daughter should ever be taken from this world in such a tragic and violent way.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family, friends, and loved ones of Malika and Jairah during this unimaginable time. As a city, we mourn alongside you and stand with you in grief and in solidarity. Crisis Counselors will be available through the schools. A prayer vigil is being planned for Cadwalader Park on West State Street.

The Trenton Police Department, in collaboration with the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, is working tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and their family. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. We must all play a role in ending the cycle of violence that continues to rob us of our loved ones and tear apart our community.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent work that still lies ahead to ensure safety and peace in every neighborhood. Trenton will not rest until justice is served, and we will continue to work every day to build a safer future for all our residents."

W. Reed Gusciora, Mayor