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Loved ones gathered at a funeral service Saturday to remember the life and legacy of Yesenia Hall, 42, the mother who investigators say was stabbed to death on March 7 inside her Concourse Village apartment.
Family and friends remembered Hall's smile and spirit at the R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home.
"She went out fighting...she left a legacy fight, fight," said Hall's older brother, Edwin Maldonado.
Hall's memory and story drew a crowd of people to pay their final respects. Noticeably missing was the mother's 16-year-old son, who was also hurt in the tragic incident. The family told News 12 the teen was recovering in the hospital and would Facetime into the service later.
"He's getting some stitches removed, he's walking," Maldonado said.
Standing side by side, the Maldonado brothers were united in grief and their pursuit for change. Edwin Maldonado said he hoped others do not have to bare the same pain his family is experiencing.
"I love my sister but I don't want it to happen to anybody else," he said.
"It takes tragedy to bring people together, and it should never be that case," said the other brother, Dawin Maldonado.
Hall's boyfriend and accused killer, Juan Rivas, is being held in Rikers Island until his next court date on April 20.