East Lyme Police

Vigil Honors East Lyme Woman Killed in Motel Stabbing

Loved ones of an East Lyme woman police say was killed by her boyfriend gathered at a silent candlelight vigil for her and all victims of domestic violence Friday.

East Lyme police say 25-year-old Corina Zukowski was stabbed to death in a motel by her boyfriend, 28-year-old Avery Hallbrooks.

Hallbrooks was charged with her murder.

Family and friends of the victim gathered at Civic Triangle Park in Waterford to remember her. They hope hosting the vigil after Zukowski's death may encourage other victims of domestic violence to speak up before it is too late.

The victim’s family said the two had been dating a couple of years and that she was trying to get out of the relationship. Her stepfather said she was staying at the motel to save money for a place of her own.

Hallbrooks told police that the victim stabbed herself several times.

Zukowski’s family said they want to remember her as the beautiful person that she was and they hope anyone affected by domestic violence will not remain silent, but rather speak up and get help.

I'm hoping if I could have this vigil and have a good turnout if someone's affected by domestic violence that they could speak up and say something to prevent them from happening to what happened to my daughter,” said Phil Rodriguez, Zukowski’s stepfather.

The family encouraged the public to attend the vigil.

Contact Us