Friends Of Slain Pregnant Long Island Mom Organize Meal Train For Her Family

LONG ISLAND, NY — A friend has set up a Meal Train for the family of former Long Islander, Samantha Garnier, a 29-year-old pregnant mom who police say was stabbed to death by her husband last Wednesday.

Troopers were called to the upstate home of Garnier, who was two weeks shy of her 30th birthday, for an apparent domestic dispute and she was found stabbed, along with her two daughters, six and nine years old, police said.

She could not be saved, but the two children survived, and her husband was charged with murder, according to police.

In the meantime, family friends have banded behind Garnier's mother, Jean Vernagallo, organizing a GoFundMe and Meal Train to help her.

"We are seeking to help alleviate some of the daily burdens while Jean processes the senseless murder of her daughter, Sammi," wrote Meal Train organizer Kelly Ryan. "Jean is currently making arrangements to receive custody of her grandchildren, Sammi's two daughters, while continuing to care for her other three grandchildren who she also has custody of."

"If you can help by providing a meal, or by donating a gift card, that's one less thing the family needs to worry about," she continued. "Thank you all!"

So far, the page has raised $1,500 of its $5,000 goal and at least one family has offered to provide a meal of pizza, garlic knots, and soda on Monday night.

The GoFundMe has raised $16,435 of its $25,000 goal.

Vernagallo declined to speak with Patch.

Erin Leahy, organizer of the GoFundMe, called Garnier "a beautiful, compassionate, and loving mother who always wanted the best for her babies."

A family friend, who did not want to be identified, described Garnier as "a loved daughter, sincere friend, and the most amazing mother."

Garnier's husband, Drew Garnier, 32, is being held without bail in an upstate correctional facility.