GREENSBORO -- A vigil Tuesday in Greensboro remembered the life of a domestic violence victim found dead Christmas Day in her hotel room.
Family and friends of Chiquita Adams, 35, gathered at the Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Along with a balloon release, those who came filled a small conference room and shared stories about the mother and listened to a poem.
“I'm so numb, I feel like it's a nightmare,” said Teresa Adams, Adams’ mother.
Chiquita was found lifeless in a room at the Atrium Inn in High Point. Police arrested Adams' 35-year-old boyfriend, Shanion Watson, and charged him with first-degree murder.
Investigators say Adams 11-year-old daughter was also in the room opening Christmas presents while Adams laid unresponsive and thought to be asleep. At some point, Watson told her to take a shower. When she returned, he was gone and took Adams’ cell phone and car.
Police say the girl tried to wake Adams, and after trying repeatedly, she asked a housekeeper for help.
The family said this was not Adams’ first experience with domestic violence and now want her story to raise awareness.
"It's just a lesson learned,” said Adams’ brother-in-law, Ross Weathers. “It's a harsh lesson. But don't wait, don't wait for somebody to get hurt."
The foundation said Adams was the 49 murder related to domestic violence in the state last year.
Adams funeral is Tuesday, January 5 at 11: 30 a.m. at St. James Baptist Church in Greensboro.