ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — Relatives, friends and community members remembered the life of 37-year-old Erica Riley on Wednesday.
On Monday, the mom of two lost her life moments before appearing in court for an emergency protective order.
It happened just feet away from the Hardin County Justice Center.
"She would just walk in the door everyday with a smile on her face," long time friend Melissa Gaddie said.
Gaddie met Riley 15 years ago while working at Walgreens. She recalled getting the news that it was her friend who had been shot and killed steps away from the courthouse.
"Tried calling her, it rang and rang and went to voicemail," she said.
She hoped this vigil will help save other domestic violence victim's lives.
"I just been sick to my stomach everybody, I mean look, our whole community, look at this turnout," Gaddie said.
Domestic violence survivors also shared their personal stories during the vigil.
One survivor said, "this could've been me, this could've been you."
"It was terrifying day-to-day and leaving is the scariest part," said another survivor.
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Georgia Hensley, the chief executive officer of SpringHaven's domestic violence program, has called on lawmakers to change the emergency protective order process.
"So that we can do better and better and make more change and we're going to take the change to Frankfort," Hensley said.
Hensley also said last year 1,448 protective orders were filed, and more than 600 were denied.
Now, family members and friends are holding each other tighter.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours by calling 800-799-7233.
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