MIAMI – Friends and family gathered for a mass Saturday morning honoring a South Florida mother who was murdered by a convicted killer.
A service was held for Erika Verdecia at the Cathedral of Saint Mary’s in Miami.
Police found the 33-year-old’s body more than a month ago after she was reported missing by her family.
Her mother spoke to Local 10 News about the pain she was feeling.
“That emptiness, that pit in my stomach…this could have been prevented,” said Carmen Verdecia.
The suspect, 54-year-old Eric Pierson, confessed to killing her, police said.
He’s being held in jail without bond.
Pierson was out on parole after serving a prison sentence for another murder.
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