Family Of Slain Tewksbury Woman Plans Vigil

TEWKSBURY, MA — Family and friends of a Tewksbury woman who was found dead in her apartment Sept. 15 are planning to hold a candlelight vigil this weekend. The vigil, according to organizers, will be held to honor Jen Kalicki and victims of domestic violence. Kalicki's boyfriend, Eric Griffin, is being held without bail on a charge of assault and battery on a family or household member, with more charges expected.

"Anyone is welcome to attend and pay tribute to Jen and victims of domestic violence with a ceremonial lighting of candles," said Jacqueline DiPersio, an organizer and one of Kalicki's friends. The vigil is scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 p.m. on the Tewksbury State Hospital grounds at 365 East Street in Tewksbury (more information).

Griffin called police on the morning of Sept. 15 and said Kalicki was cold to the touch and unresponsive in the couple's Tewksbury apartment. When police arrived, they found her in bed with her shirt ripped open, a bump and cut on her forehead, a red indentation near her left temple, red marks on both sides of her neck and on her upper chest, and bruising on the outside of her right hand, according to a police report. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

"This is not believed to be a random incident of violence and there is no danger to the public," Tewksbury police said in a statement announcing Griffin's arrest.

Kalicki had posted $250 bail on Sept. 11 for her boyfriend Eric Griffin, who was charged with possession of a Class B drug with intent to distribute. It was two days after a domestic violence case against Griffin and involving Kalicki as the victim was dismissed. Prosecutors say Kalicki texted Griffin's sister on Sept. 14, begging for help, but the sister did not contact police.