'I Just Don't Know Why, I May Never Understand Why': Leaders, Members, Loved Ones Hold Prayer Vigil To Honor Evelyn Player

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Police have a person of interest in the brutal stabbing death of a beloved church volunteer. This possible break in the case comes as family and friends gathered to honor her life.

Thursday night, outside of Southern Baptist Church, music and prayer filled the air.

"We will always do whatever it takes to bring this family peace," said Wes Moore.

Hundreds of friends, neighbors, city and church leaders surrounded the family of Evelyn Player to honor her life cut short.

"To see the outpour of support from the community means so much, it means so much to us. I'm just so full of emotions. This helps to know that there are people who loved on her and she didn't die in vain," said Alethea Finch, the daughter of Evelyn Player.

Alethea Finch says her mom was a lifelong member and devoted servant of Southern Baptist. She was stabbed to death inside the church early Tuesday morning.

"I just hope they catch the person that did this to my mother she didn't deserve this," said Finch.

Baltimore City Police announced a person of interest in the case and before the vigil, the commissioner and mayor walked through the neighborhood, promising justice will be served.

"They are going to work the case, we have to let them close it. We have to let them do their work and we have to make sure we catch this person so they don't do it again," said Mayor Brandon Scott.

But until Evelyn's killer is behind bars, Finch says she's still trying to make sense of the senseless.

"I just don't understand why, I may never understand why but I'm trusting God and trusting that his faith keeps me going," said Finch.

"We have to prioritize our community so that sick minds can not continue to be developed and hurt our people in heinous ways in the places where they should be safe," said Bishop Donte Hickman of Southern Baptist Church.

Thursday afternoon, the mayor met with church leaders to discuss the recent violent crime and Evelyn's murder -- hoping to find a solution to stop the violence.

In the meantime, other churches in the area are reevaluating safety procedures.

In:
• Baltimore
• Murder
• Baltimore City
• Crime