(ABC 6 News) – A candlelight vigil was held on Saturday night at 7:30 at Levee Park in Winona to honor Madeline Kingsbury, who was allegedly murdered last year.

Four advocacy groups have partnered with the friends and family of Kingsbury to set up this event. The vigil will not only honor her memory, but also break the silence around domestic violence and bring awareness to the resources available to people in dangerous situations like this.

The four organizations were The Hope Coalition, the Advocacy Center of Winona, Bluff Country Family Resources and the Women’s shelter.

Melissa Drenckhahn of the Hope Coalition stated “we’re doing this so folks know that it’s different than it was 50 years ago, you don’t have to put up with a terrible relationship for 50-60 years; there’s options out there and just trying to get rid of that shame and embarrassment.”

Kingsbury’s family said this was an opportunity to use her story to try to help others.

The vigil falls on what would have been Madeline Kingsbury’s 28th birthday.

“Why not celebrate her day by having an event to support and raise awareness for something that happens in every town, every city, every county,” Kingsbury’s friend, Holly Stamschror, said.

The mother of two from Winona was reported missing in March of 2023. Her body was later discovered in July of that year.

Adam Fravel, the father of her children, now faces first-degree murder charges in her death.

If you or a loved one are in a dangerous situation, the national domestic hotline can be reached at 1−800−799−SAFE at anytime.