Cracker Barrel victim, Kayla Allen, dies after being shot by father in April 12 attack

CLEVELAND - The 10-year-old girl, whose mother and sister were shot dead at the Brooklyn Cracker Barrel restaurant on April 12, died on Tuesday.

According to Kayla Allen's family, she died peacefully at home.

"Our family is appreciative and grateful for the support and prayers of so many during this journey... She has been surrounded by family and friends for the past few days, comfortable and serene. This time has been most meaningful to us as we held her and loved her, prayed for her and said our goodbyes."

Kayla's family and the community rallied around her raising money for her hospital costs and praying the young girl would survive the tragedy.

Over the past few weeks, the road for the Allen family has been much like a roller coaster ride, with Kayla's condition improving then slipping back into critical condition.

A public memorial service will be held at a date yet to be determined.

"We have been heartened by the hopes and outpouring of concern of friends as well as strangers and this has given us comfort during a most difficult time," family members said in a statement to media.

Kayla was placed in hospice care on Friday. A message posted to her benefit Facebook page Tuesday read:

"Kayla, in a perfect body, with no pain or sadness, is in heaven with her mother, sister and our Lord Jesus Christ. Her suffering is over. She is in an eternal paradise. Revelation 21:4 'He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

Police said Kayla’s father, Kevin Allen, 51, opened fire inside the Brooklyn Cracker Barrel, killing her mom, Kate, 42, and sister, Kerri, 9. Officers shot and killed Kevin as he was leaving the restaurant when he didn't comply with orders to surrender.

Neighbors on the Strongsville street where the Allen family lived are saddened by Kayla's death.  "Poor child," Irene Bendzuck said. "I feel so bad. You don't know."

Bendzuck and other neighbors said Kayla and her sister always played outside and were happy girls. It's difficult for them to look over at the house that now sits empty.

"It's sad," Nicole Vanderwyst said. "It's very sad because that's your memory of them and then you hear this awful thing that's happened to them and you know that and it's always going to be in your mind. No matter who lives here now you're going to know those two poor little girls and their mother died and it's just sad."