JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For most people, 16 years is the amount of time they wait to get a driver's license but, for one local woman, that's how long she waited for an arrest in her mother's murder.
Ella Holland was killed in 1998. No arrests were made until 2014 when police charged Phillip Bennett with second degree murder.
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Holland's daughter, Vantricia Holland, is honoring her mom in a very special way on what would have been her 55th birthday.
Vantricia Holland lobbied the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to keep looking at the case.
Vantrica Holland spoke openly about the death of her mother, Ella Holland.
"My daughter looks just like her, and it hurts,” said Vantricia Holland as she wiped away a tear. "I got this sign for her because I love my mom and I miss her so much."
Friday marks what would've been Ella Holland's 55th birthday. Pink was her favorite color.
"I miss her love, her hugs, her kisses, the way we would sit down and talk about everything… I miss all that," said Vantricia Holland.
"Everyone misses her. I know I do. Everyone does," said Ella Holland’s sister, Patricia Holland.
For years, Vantrica and Patricia Holland, lobbied for JSO to take a new look at Ella's Holland’s case.
Bennett was charged with second degree murder and he has yet to go to trial. Both women have gone to every court hearing.
"I'm tired, I want justice for my mom,” said Vantricia Holland.
Both women hold onto precious memories, and photos.
Vantrica and Patricia Holland are holding a candlelight vigil on Friday night and a balloon release at the family home on East 11th street at 4 p.m.
"I just want something that is big, so I can look back and say, 'I did this for my mom'. I really did this for my mom," said Vantrica Holland. Her message for other families still waiting for justice is to not give up hope and keep on fighting.