Family speaks out after woman is attacked in front of children
The family of Nodra Hursey is speaking out days after her estranged husband, 55-year-old Joseph Ricky Emile, was charged with aggravated first-degree murder and violation of a court order.
“He had a grip on her,” said Nordra’s sister-in-law Kelley Bracher-Hursey. “She had just come back to us.”
Jason is Nodra’s younger brother. The youngest of six, he flew in from Florida with his wife to be with his family, including his sister’s three surviving children.
On Tuesday, prosecutors charged Nodra’s estranged husband with killing his wife in the presence of their three young children. He entered a not guilty plea and his bail was set at $5 million dollars.
Witnesses told police Emile was arguing with his estranged wife in an upstairs bathroom. The couple’s children were also upstairs and crying.
“We have to be here for them,” said Nodra’s brother, speaking about his niece and nephews.
“We all have to step up,” said Nodra’s sister Helen Ward. “I may have to help parent her kids and it’s going to be an honor to make sure they go in the right direction and keep their mother’s legacy alive.”
Though they did indicate domestic violence was an issue and that she tried to keep her distance from her estranged husband.
“He just had a hold on her and would use the children as power over her,” said one family member.
Funeral arrangements for Nodra Hursey-Emile have been set for Thursday, Dec. 14. Services will be held at Maranatha Family Worship Center beginning at 11 a.m.
