One year ago today Sumittra Lairopi was gunned down outside of a Tamuning restaurant. The senseless killing leaving her children without a mother. The defendants accused in the case still wait to have their day in court.  This as Sumittra's loved ones wait for justice for the woman they called their sister. 

A busy lunch rush at the Thai Thai Restaurant in Tamuning this Valentine's Day. 

Workers serving customers while also remembering 53-year-old Sumittra Lairopi.

Dara Camacho says Lairopi, who was shot and killed last Valentine's Day, was a longtime friend whom she called her sister.

"I try to forget but it’s still in my heart – my lovely sister," she said.

She along with restaurant owner Srujira Saekuay recall the horrific day. 

"That’s my best friend for so long already. I cannot…We went to Thailand together and she come here to visit me. But after that she get shot. If she not come here I think I am the one who get shot. We come here for Valentine’s Day and we are so happy together. After she was going to go home. That’s when she gets shot outside. That’s it," she said.

A heartbreaking memory as she was unaware that was going to be the last time they would celebrate together. 

"I’m so scared until now," she said.

The man authorities believe was responsible for her death, defendant Domingo Mendiola, appeared before a superior court judge Friday morning. 

The court considering if Guam's former chief medical examiner Dr. Jeffrey Nine would be allowed to testify about Sumittra's autopsy virtually at trial. 

Special assistant prosecutor Curtis Van De Veld telling the court they have strong evidence that Mendiola and defendant Johnny Atalig are responsible for Sumittra's death. 

Atalig's indictment remains under seal. 

Defendant Jenna Manibusan was also arrested for her alleged involvement in the shooting.

Investigators learning the group allegedly planned the robbery to help Mendiola pay off a drug debt. 

Mendiola is scheduled back in court on February 28th. 

Asked if she's still waiting for justice for her, Camacho replied, "Yes".

Sumittra's loved ones closed the restaurant early Friday to spend the rest of the day honoring her memory. 

"I would say to her I miss you so much and I guess she is going to heaven. She is very nice lady and helped everyone," she said.

"I would say sister we all miss you. You are always in my heart and we love you very much," she said.

A love for a woman who moved to Guam from Saipan in 2010 and whose tragic death left behind a husband and three children.