More than 100 people turned out Monday night to remember Kelsey Felker.
A candlelight vigil was held to mark the memory of Felker, whose remains have been found in three Kitchener locations over the past 10 days.
“Kelsey was an amazing person. She cared about others, not only herself,” said event organizer Michelle Fitzgerald.
"She was the kindest person you will ever meet," added friend Darcelle Carroll.
Those in attendance said Felker, 24, was a kind woman who loved playing practical jokes and had overcome many challenges, including addiction issues and a period of time spent as a sex worker.
Fitzgerald says she doesn’t believe Felker was working in the sex trade in the period leading up to her death.
Sara Casselman of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region said sex workers often make easy targets for those looking to commit crimes.
“What we see is that sex workers are targeted by violent offenders over and over in our communities, all across Canada and all around the world,” she said.
Felker’s death first came to light when her torso was discovered in a garbage bin outside a Frederick Street apartment building.
Further remains have been found in Idlewood Park and Springwood Park, but police say there are more remains to find.
Stephen Johnson, 37, is charged with first-degree murder and indignity to a body. He lived in the apartment building where Felker’s torso was discovered.
Police say Johnson and Felker knew each other.
