Vigil held for Norma Perez

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Friends and family of Norma Perez held a vigil in her memory, outside her Saab Court apartment Wednesday night.

The 57-year-old Springfield woman was Springfield's first murder of 2013, allegedly committed by her son Luis Rosa.

Those at the vigil Wednesday night said they don't want to focus on the tragedy, but instead on Norma's larger than life personality and her heart of gold.

Ed Mandigo, a longtime family friend, told 22News, “I was asked the other day how many children she had. I started to say five but then I remembered she probably had hundreds because she would take in one person if they needed help but she has taken in entire families when they needed a place to go.”

The family and friends sang hymns and recited Scripture in the cold Wednesday night.

Police Sgt. John Delaney told 22News the motive for the murder appears to be a robbery from the victim's apartment.