46-year-old Lisa Gilvary was murdered Monday morning. Police say 25-year-old Michael Crockell stabbed Gilvary and two other people including a Fresno police officer.
A neighborhood came together Saturday night to honor a woman who helped many people in the community.
Lisa Gilvary's life was tragically taken but family and friends say they vow to carry on her legacy.
Songs, prayers and countless memories of Lisa Gilvary were shared by dozens who gathered Saturday night for a candlelight vigil outside her Tower District apartment.
"My mom, she was a great person, she helped anybody that she could," Katie Lung, Gilvary's daughter, said.
Gilvary's daughter, Katie Lung, shared a few words about her caring mother.
"She would just hand out food to anybody, homeless people, neighbors, anybody," Lung said.
Gilvary was killed Monday morning in her apartment. The suspect, Michael Crockell, was in court facing murder charges. Investigators say Crockell stabbed Gilvary and her 20-year-old roommate Jennifer Gonzalez before rushing out and attacking Fresno police officer Jonathon Linzey.
It took several officers to take Crockell into custody.
"It's hard to make any sense of it, there's almost no rhyme of reason, but those were the cards we were dealt and we have to deal with it, day by day," victim's friend Michael Tempesta said.
Family and friends are still trying to understand why something so tragic could happen to a woman who dedicated her life to helping others.
Gilvary took in her roommate Gonzalez as she was trying to help her get back on the right track. But police say the suspect blamed Gilvary for interfering with his relationship with his girlfriend and that's when things turned deadly.
Now a daughter is left without a mother but hopes to carry out her legacy of compassion.
"Of course I'm sad my mom isn't here with me or here with us anymore, but you know I'm filled with joy because I feel this is something that was meant to be, to maybe open my eyes to the community and open my eyes to see there's a lot of people out there that need help," Lung said.
Crockell was released from prison six months ago. As for the other two victims, Gonzalez and officer Linzey are still recovering from their wounds.
Funeral services for Gilvary are pending.
