The gruesome murder of Redford Township woman has become a rallying cry against domestic violence.
Tonight loved ones did not just remember how Ann Marie Gorup died, but how she lived.
Gorup spent her life helping others. Loved ones hope her death will continue that legacy.
For Gorup, being a caregiver wasn't just her job, it was a way of life.
About a hundred people gathered in Lola Valley Park to remember a woman prosecutors say was murdered by her live in boyfriend in an apartment they shared with her brother.
"She's the sweetest, kindest, most loving, giving caring person I've ever had in my world and it’s been my pride and joy to have been her brother for the last 47 years,” says Thomas Gorup. “I feel incredibly sad that she was taken away from me in such a fashion by such an evil monster."
Prosecutors say Dexter Lamar Williams stabbed Gorup to death in their apartment and dismembered her body. He is behind bars on charges of first degree murder and mutilation of a dead body.
Gorup’s friends were not aware of any history of violence between the two, but they say she had given him 30 days to move out.
Gorup's death leaves her loved ones to cope with a painful irony: that a woman who was so quick to help others did not ask for help herself.
"If anyone is in a situation, any kind of domestic situation to please tell somebody,” says Kim Steelman. “Tell your closest friends especially because they would be there for you."
The last time Gorup’s friends saw her alive was last Sunday when they had dinner.
Her boyfriend is behind bars. He was arraigned yesterday and will be back in court next month.
