BALTIMORE — A 79-year-old woman is in the hospital after being lured into a home, beaten and sexually assaulted.
READ MORE: Elderly woman sexually assaulted in Canton, surveillance photo of suspect released
The person responsible is still on the loose—but the neighborhood in Canton is spreading the word about what happened and showing the victim their love.
“Everyone just is praying for you and thinking about you and sending you healing vibes,” said Gina Moraz.
Moraz is collecting letters and notes for the victim and her family.
She called the victim a local hero.
“She convinced this man to keep her alive. She remained calm in a horrendous situation," Moraz said. "I have goosebumps right now. She came out of this alive.”
Police say the suspect lured her into a home he broke into, asking her for help to move a table.
The woman was doing what she does--- helping who she thought was a neighbor.
“She’s sort of a staple of the neighborhood. She’s always walking around, a really active woman,” Moraz said. “Always bringing presents for my two kids. Just the sweetest most loving soul.”
The victim is in the hospital with a broken leg and injuries to her face and neck.
The posts of the suspect aren't the only paper being distributed.
On social media neighbors are sending their support, and Moraz is bringing letters to her and her family.
“We’re here for your recovery, we’ll do anything. If you want visitors, we’re going to be there probably more than you want. We just we love you and are just so sorry that this happened to you.”
Neighbors security cameras were able to get video and images of the suspect and get them to police.
“Evil is out there and unfortunately it’s come into our neighborhood a lot of times people have been victimized,” Moraz said. “It’s hard to have peace of mind, but the cameras and the support from the community definitely help.”
If you have any information or images of this suspect call Metro crime stopper at 1-866-7lockup.
If you would like to send a letter, address it: in Support of Miss Y c/o Gina Moraz, 1214 S. Clinton St Baltimore, MD 21224.
