Family members said 20-year-old stabbing victim Brittney Ivisha Randolph had ended a relationship with Moses Pernall Jones Jr. some time ago because he had been violent with her.

Police have charged Jones, 22, with stabbing Randolph to death about 5:30 a.m. Friday morning in her apartment at 4030 Midlothian Turnpike.

Jones was taken into custody Friday afternoon at his family's home in Glen Allen after a nine-hour standoff with police.

Randolph's relatives said the 4-year-old daughter Randolph and Jones had together was at the apartment at the time of the stabbing.

"Brittney thought she was safe," said Earlene Randolph, Brittney's grandmother.

"Who would have thought that he would do that?" said Earlene Randolph, gathered with other family members, including Brittney's mother, Beverly Randolph, Brittney's brothers and other relatives and friends, at the home of community activist Alicia Rasin yesterday.

Earlene Randolph was emotional as she described how she had raised Brittney from the age of 6. About six months ago, Brittney moved into her own place with her daughter.

She wanted to be independent and was studying to be a nurse, her grandmother said.

"Brittney had dreams ever since she was a little girl," said her mother, Beverly Randolph. "She was about to go and reach her dreams."

Tierra R. Allen, Brittney's best friend since high school, lived in the same apartment complex. She said Brittney sent her a text message about 4:30 a.m. Friday saying her apartment didn't have any heat and she and the baby were coming to stay with her if it didn't get fixed.

"I miss her smile," said Allen, sobbing. "We did everything together."

Family members said Randolph and Jones had known each other for about eight years. Randolph, a graduate of Armstrong High School, had gone to her senior prom with him.

Earlene Randolph said the relationship had turned violent some time ago, including a time when Jones allegedly kicked in a door of her home to get to Brittney.

"She was getting on with her life," said Earlene Randolph. "She was tired of him fighting on her, putting them in the car and driving all fast."

Rasin said Brittney's daughter was in the custody of social services and the family hoped that after a court hearing tomorrow, she would be placed with Earlene Randolph.

Rasin said a candlelight memorial is being planned for Brittney, with details to be announced this week.

"The violence has got to stop," Raisin said.

"We have to pray for the family of the young man who did this, too," Rasin said. "I am praying this will not be a terrible year. I am praying these young men will think before they act."