Hundreds Remember Slain Baldwin Woman At Benefit
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Hundreds gathered Saturday evening to remember a young woman from Baldwin who was murdered back in 2012 and raise money for the victims of abusive relationships.
"It's hard, but when you see all these people come together, it's almost like they take a little bit of the pain away from you," said Paul Kunco, Karissa's father.
For Paul, Saturday's benefit is not only a moment to remember his daughter's precious life, but to also make sure what happened to her doesn't happen again.
Karissa Kunco was only 21-years-old when she was murdered.
Police say Karissa was kidnapped by her estranged boyfriend, 23-year-old Jordan Clemons, in January of 2012. Her throat was slit and her body then dumped in the woods in Washington County.
Her friends say Karissa had tried to get away from Clemons and even had a protection from abuse order against him.
Karissa's childhood friends, now left with grief, are taking her story and trying to put an end to domestic violence.
Each plate of pasta served at the benefit represents a donation to the Women's Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
A silent auction and tee-shirts with "Karissa's Army" printed across the chest were all ways to raise awareness and inform women about the ways to safely get out of an abusive relationship. And to make sure those who do have the means to be able to live on their own.
It's a mission for the hundreds who attended Saturday's benefit. They promise to remember Karissa's name and to be her voice. A voice her dad says he hears loud and clear.
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