Friends, family gather to remember domestic violence victim
As people gather in Franklinton on Thursday night to remember a woman who lived in fear of her ex-boyfriend before she was killed last weekend, advocates for domestic violence victims say her death is motivating them to work harder and protect more people.
Posted — UpdatedTracy Williams was killed Sunday evening while she was at an ATM in the parking lot of a Food Lion on U.S. Highway 1 in Franklinton. Her former boyfriend, Garry A. Yarborough, 35, of 306 Yellowbell Court in Zebulon, is charged with first-degree murder.
"It doesn't just affected one of us, it affects all of us," said Michelle Williams, Tracy's sister.
Williams' family and friends said she took numerous steps to protect herself from Yarborough after they split up early this year, including buying a handgun, obtaining a concealed carry permit and seeking restraining orders in the courts.
"I told her that, that I was worried for her life," Renee Edgerton, Tracy's friend said. "I really was. It's just sad. It hurts. It really hurts."
Family members said Williams did all she could to protect herself. Since it was not enough, they say they plan to do something.
"These men are cowards," Michelle Williams said. "They are weak, so we are going to put a stop to this. We are going to change the law."
They Williams family said they also plan to attend a domestic violence awareness march in downtown Raleigh next week.
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