DANBURY – Pedro Panjon said his wife was distraught over the loss of income after being ordered to close her daycare center in the weeks leading up to the killing of their children and herself.
Danbury police said Sonia Loja, 36, killed the three children on Wednesday before committing suicide. The Chief Medical Examiner’s office confirmed that the children — Junior Panjon, 12, Joselyn Panjon, 10, and Jonael Panjon, 5 — died of strangulation and Loja died of hanging.
Pedro Panjon spoke through an interpreter in front of the family’s Whaley Street home on Saturday, as dozens of mourners gathered for the third night in a row in memory of his children.
Representatives from the State Office of Early Childhood visited the home four times in June after anonymous complaints that Loja was operating an illegal daycare facility on the property, an agency spokesperson said. During her last visit in late June, it was revealed that Lojas had closed her business, the agency said.
Pedro Panjon said Loja used what she earned from the business to pay the family’s bills. He said she needed that income — in addition to his salary — to support her family and pay for the house.
He said she also sent money to her parents in Ecuador.
Panjon said early childhood representatives told his wife to provide her Social Security number and other documentation in order to run her business legally.
Panjon, who said he was “crushed” when he came home from work last week to find his family dead, said that because they live here illegally, the family did not have the required documents to operate the nursery.
Yesemia Dias, a Danbury resident who was at the wake Saturday, said Loja looked after her daughter three times a week while she was at work for years. She said her daughter was very happy there and felt like she was “part of the family.”
The number of balloons, stuffed animals and small gifts placed in front of the family’s home Saturday night had grown significantly since the night before.
During Saturday’s vigil, a large white table was set up across the street from the house, offering free food and drink to those in attendance.
The items at the table were purchased by neighbors and community members.
Betty Rodriguez, who lives near Loja, said she has raised more than $500 so far to help the family pay for funeral expenses.
The funeral of the mother and children is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in Danbury. Viewing takes place on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the church.
St. Peter Catholic Church has set up a funeral fund for the family. Contributions can be made on the church website.
Anyone thinking of harming themselves, or seeking access to free and confidential mental health care, can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-8255 (en Español: 888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 800 -799-4889) or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. People in need can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. People in need can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.