SHERMAN, Texas (KXII) – Emily Rogers, a young mother from Sherman, was murdered by ex-boyfriend Nicholas Matzen.
She was filed as a missing person on May 1, and her body was found four days later at an industrial park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“It’s been hard for all of us,” said Tina Harvey, Emily’s grandmother.
Family and friends gathered around Emily Rogers’ grave on Wednesday night.
“Today is special because today is Emily’s birthday, January 4th,” Harvey said.
Her birthday was celebrated by loved ones at Sherman’s Cemetery where she was buried last May.
A white balloon with a handwritten message was released into the clear night sky.
Emily’s mother Amy Ryde-Rogers said, “We can’t throw her a party because she’s not here. I think there are,” he said.
Emily left her 1-year-old daughter Katie behind.
“Katie is fine, unfortunately she won’t remember her mother, but she won’t lose love,” said Ryde-Rogers.
Emily’s ex-boyfriend, Nicholas Matzen, 36, has been charged with first-degree reckless murder and body hiding.
Ryde Rogers said: “I have a court hearing this morning about my boyfriend and I hope the next court date is February 17th and then the trial begins.
While they await justice, family and friends are raising money for Emily’s tombstone.
Harvey said, “I used GoFundMe to try and get a headstone, and you can see this. She has nothing except what we can bring.”
But most importantly, Emily’s family hopes her story will raise awareness about domestic violence.
“If you have been in a domestic violence relationship and you think it could go this far, get help. There are groups out there and people trying to help you. Just Speak up, don’t hide it, my daughter hid it, no one knew about it, no one can help you if you don’t know,” said Ryde Rogers .
Emily would have turned 24.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you can find the Grayson Crisis Hotline here and the National Crisis Hotline here.
Click here to donate Emily’s headstone.
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