Vigil held for woman killed in domestic violence incident

RACINE -- A vigil was held Sunday night to remember 27-year-old Gwynevere Wright. Wright's body was found inside a home near 9th and Pearl in Racine Wednesday, and an Amber Alert was issued for her daughter, Iryana Vaughn, who was eventually located in Chicago with her father, Irvin Vaughn. Sunday night, families from Racine and Chicago came together for a candlelight vigil to pray for victims of domestic violence.

After this incident, neighbors said police were at the home on a regular basis, and that Vaughn had a history of domestic violence incidents against Wright. It is believed that Wright was stabbed to death, and police say Vaughn is the suspect in this case.

Wright's family members say they don't know what prompted the murder of the mother of two. "She came here looking for a better life for her kids. I never expected it would go this far," Wright's sister said Sunday.

The family found comfort Sunday night in the company of friends and strangers, and realized victims of domestic violence don't have to be alone. "I pray for all the women going through this stuff," Wright's sister said.

Chicago police say Vaughn was extradited to Wisconsin, and has been charged with one count of first degree intentional homicide. Officials say two-year-old Iryana Vaughn was returned to Wisconsin after the incident, and was in state custody, in good health. Officials say Iryana’s little brother was home at the time, and was taken by Racine police.

For information and resources relating to domestic violence, CLICK HERE to visit the Women's Resource Center of Racine website.