A Houston-area family has spoken publicly about the death of 27-year-old Abrianna “Bri” Hall, who was allegedly stabbed by her boyfriend, Aaron McFarland, in Harris County in May.
McFarland, 31, was arrested and charged with murder after deputies were called to an apartment complex on Northcrest Drive, near State Highway 99 and Spring Stuebner Road, shortly before 5.30am on May 29.
Deputies found Hall suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was taken to hospital but was later pronounced dead, according to authorities. Investigators said McFarland was seen climbing down from the apartment using a ladder and was detained as he tried to leave the area.
Hall’s family remembered her at a candlelit vigil at the Montrose Center on Tuesday evening, October 6, held to honour survivors of domestic abuse and those who have died in violent relationships.
Her mother, Teri Dolley, said Hall and McFarland had been together for about two years and had been looking at engagement rings only days before her death. The family had not seen any warning signs in the relationship, she said.
“Instead of helping my daughter plan a wedding, I had to plan her funeral,” Ms Dolley said.
She described Hall as “a light of sunshine” and said the killing had come as a complete shock to the family.
“If you’re a person that’s going through domestic violence, let your family help you,” Ms Dolley said. “They were together for two years, and it’s just like it only takes one incident. And that’s what happened — it was one incident, and I don’t have my daughter anymore.”
Hall’s sister, Megan Dolley, said she was funny, caring and an exceptional older sister.
“She had an amazing personality, and she’s like one of the best big sisters that you could ask for,” she said.
She urged people to keep checking in on friends and relatives, even when they appeared to be happy and well.
“The people that seem the happiest, they could be going through something, and you’ll never know because they’re always making sure everyone else around them is OK,” she said.
Hall’s family said they hoped sharing her story during Domestic Violence Awareness Month would encourage people experiencing abuse to seek support and help prevent another death.
