Family, friends hold vigil for 'enshrined' Phoenix murder victim

Family and friends gathered for a vigil Saturday night to honor the life of a Phoenix woman whose body was found covered in a towel on a couch in what the suspect called a "shrine from God" to police.

Police say Crystal Hillman, 20, was killed by 39-year-old Anita Braxton at her West Missouri Avenue apartment sometime around Christmas for not believing in God, according to police. Hillman died from a gunshot wound to the head, and her body was in Braxton's apartment for up to three days, according to police.

Saturday's vigil was held outside the apartment complex near 15th and Missouri avenues where the crime took place. Friends and family members gathered with pink and black balloons, Hillman's favorite colors. They covered the Acacia Garden Apartments sign with pictures of Hillman and paper cutouts of butterflies with memories written on them.

The crowd of roughly 20 people held hands during a prayer led by Hillman's cousin, Knoye Jackson.

"We also pray for the woman who did this," Jackson said during the prayer, which was followed by the group singing, "Thank You Lord."

Family and friends released pink balloons after sharing some of their favorite memories.

"She always had a big smile on her face," said childhood friend Rachel Tate before releasing a pink balloon into the sky. Event organizer Ayesha Smith remembered "laughing, dancing and enjoying life" with Hillman.

"I'm still in shock," Smith said through tears, adding, "She didn't deserve this."

Family and friends have also created a GoFundMe page to help raise money for additional funeral expenses.

Braxton had previous run-ins with law enforcement and is a three-time felon with a history of drug abuse, according court records. She is currently being held at Fourth Avenue Jail, facing one count of first-degree murder. A preliminary hearing has been set for Wednesday.