Loretta Saunders remembered at vigils across Canada

CTV Atlantic: Dozens gather in Halifax for Loretta Dozens of people gathered at Halifax's Grand Parade Thursday evening in memory of murdered university student Loretta Saunders.

Dozens of people gathered at Halifax’s Grand Parade Thursday evening in memory of murdered university student Loretta Saunders.

The vigil was one of several events held across the country for Saunders. The events were also part of a nationwide call to end violence against women, particularly Aboriginal women.

“We want to get the word out about preventing and stopping violence against women. We’ve had enough,” said organizer Lisa Webb.

Police allege Saunders, who was three months pregnant, was murdered on Feb. 13, the same day she was last seen at a Halifax apartment she once shared with the two people accused in her death.

Saunders' body was found on a snow-covered median off the Trans-Canada Highway near Salisbury, N.B. on Feb. 26.

The 26-year-old Inuk woman from Labrador was studying at Saint Mary's University. Her thesis focused on missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

Organizers of Thursday’s vigil said the event was meant to draw attention to an issue close to Saunders’ heart.

“We’re here to bring awareness to what Loretta believed in so firmly and we’re not going to allow her voice to be silenced,” said Saunders’ cousin Lisa White.

Saunders’ former roommates have been charged with first-degree murder in her death.

Victoria Henneberry, 28, and Blake Leggette, 25, are due back in court April 9.