MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The mother of Samantha Marion, the woman charged in connection to the shooting death of Pastor Ricky Floyd, says she believes her daughter fired her weapon out of fear.

Marion’s mother spoke with WREG at the home she shares with her daughter. She tells WREG her heart goes out to the family of Pastor Floyd.

“I am sorry that there has been a death,” she said. “I am sorry for the family.”

She also says her heart is breaking for her daughter.

“This is not my daughter’s character, and she was defending herself,” she said. “Maybe in her mind she was defending the two friends she was with.”

 According to a police affidavit, Pastor Floyd became “irate and aggressive” towards all three. One of Marion’s friends reportedly told detectives she tried getting between Floyd and Marion when he allegedly began walking toward her.

“Anybody in any situation, when you become afraid, you become afraid,” Marion’s mother said. “And you know fear will drive you to that, and she had to be awfully scared.”

Her mother was visibly upset while speaking with WREG. She says her daughter is currently on suicide watch in jail.

“She needs to continue to have faith in God and know that we love her and we’re praying for her,” she said.

It’s the faith those who knew Pastor Floyd are also leaning on.

“We just have to stay in prayer for each other and watch.  The scripture says watch as well as pray,” Pastor Eric Winston said.

Marion’s mother is hopeful she will be able to return to the community she has called home her entire life sooner rather than later.

Funeral arrangements for Pastor Ricky Floyd have not yet been announced. Samantha Marion remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.