INDIANAPOLIS – The family of a 21-year-old woman, who was killed in what police believe was a domestic altercation last week, has made it their mission to raise awareness about violence.
Kaylin Cole’s body was found inside of a car Wednesday morning in the 1300 block of S. Senate Avenue. Indianapolis police said she died after being shot. Officers still have not made an arrest in her death.
Cole’s family hosted a candlelight vigil at the murder scene, and released purple balloons to represent domestic violence.
“Domestic battery, domestic violence is real,” said Cole’s aunt Keisha Smith.
Domestic abuse survivor Danyette Smith said she stayed in a violent relationship for eight years.
"I do have two plates currently in my eye to hold my cornea together,” said Smith. “He came to my job and popped the trunk and said he would kill me. From there I knew I had to get out.”
Years later, she said she wish she would’ve recognized the warning signs.
"Those red flags would have been the control that he had toward me, which I thought was love because I didn't know what healthy love was,” she said.
In 2014, Smith left her relationship with help from the Julian Center. Since, she also started a non-profit to empower others.
“Definitely plan out how you are going to get out of domestic violence,” said Smith. “They have resources for you, they have grants for you, they have pro bono lawyers.”
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