HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The father of a 4-year-old girl who police said was murdered by her own mother did everything the law asks of a parent to protect their child, according to a statement from his attorney's office.

In a statement, the family's attorney shared photos of 4-year-old Vivian Savella, along with a statement that her dad trusted the courts, followed every order, and waited for the process to work.

The Houston Police Department said Vivian was found shot to death in west Houston on Tuesday night, and her mother allegedly turned the gun on herself but survived.