ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A family is heartbroken after police says a woman killed her sister and then called 911 to report the crime.

The incident happened on the 600 block of Newton Avenue, where family members said both sisters lived.

On Wednesday, Charee Howard was supposed to make her first appearance in the Pinellas County Courthouse, but the baliff said she was being "uncooperative," so she ended up being a no-show. But her family was sitting inside, still in shock how this all could have happened.

"These girls were like twins. You didn’t see one without the other. So, that’s way they roll. The older girl took care of the youngest one when her mom passed and she was there for her constantly like a mother," said Howard's brother, Michael Hobbs. 

Hobbs said when the tables turned, the little sister would return the favor. 

"She’s been having heart problems. So when she got sick, the young one put her life on hold," he said. "She came back home to take care of her and that’s why they were living together. So, she gave back that love she got."

The sisters are 15 years apart. Sherry Lynn Howard was the oldest and you didn't have to look far to see that all who knew her, loved her. Like Florida House Rep. Michele Rayner-Goolsby, who heard about the incident in Tallahassee.

"This is a tremendous loss for St. Pete," said Rayner-Goolsby. "I think if you could just scroll on social media, you’ll find people from folks who are elected, folks who are community people, folks who are just simply neighbors, children. It is a massive, massive loss."

The suspect, Charee, is a family doctor.

Her family said she was a scholar in school and up until recently, they did not know she was having mental health episodes.

"The first thing I would want my sister evaluated. I don’t think locking her up in jail because she (has) a mental issue," Hobbs said. 

Tears for one and a possible trial for another — a sad reality for all who love Sherry and Charee.

After today's hearing where Howard did not appear in court, the judge ruled that she would be held in jail without bond and assigned a public defender.