A vigil has been held for Marie Gabriel in front of her townhouse in Ottawa where she was killed allegedly by her partner.

Friends and family gathered there on Friday evening to remember the Gambian mum of two and to share stories about her life.

About 20 people gathered, lit candles, laid flowers and shared memories near the doorstep of the home where she lived, according to local reports.  

Marie’s brother, David, said the vigil was also an opportunity to spread awareness about the issue of domestic violence. 

Marie Gabriel died after years spent in a relationship with Jean Fenelon, the man now accused of killing her.

Fenelon has been charged with second-degree murder.  

Marie’s friends and family have said Fenelon was controlling and manipulative, and messages Marie sent before her death showed she was trying to leave him and feared the threat of physical violence.

“Marie is not here to give you her side of the story, but that’s why the vigil is also very important,” David told Ottawa News. 

“We’re getting her voice out there. She was trapped and she wasn’t able to get out, but people who are experiencing this should have the courage and the backbone to leave this type of relationship and get away from it.”

Marie’s story may seem familiar to many other people who are living through something similar, David added, and her example can be used to help spread awareness and encourage others to reach out to women’s shelters to find resources that can help them avoid becoming victims.