Vigil Held For Maria Popol, 23-Year-Old Killed In Telford, As Questions Swirl

TELFORD, PA — A large crowd gathered on Penn Avenue in Telford on Sunday night to honor the life of Maria Popol, the 23-year-old woman who was killed inside her apartment earlier in the month.

The young woman, born in Guatemala, came to the United States two years ago to make money to send home to her parents.

As candles from the mourners lit the streets of Telford Wednesday night, questions about her death lingered. No arrests have yet been made. Suspects are unknown. Her cause of death has been listed as homicide by the Bucks County Coroner's Office, but the manner of death remains unknown, as do the circumstances leading up to her final hours.

A GoFundMe was launched to support Popol's family and to help repatriate her body to Guatemala. She was returned there last week.

"Maria Bernarda Popol is now back in the land that saw her birth, now alongside her family and friends, who are devastated by her passing and by her return to her country under such unjust circumstances," her family shared.

She was admired and loved by her coworkers at Don Leo Restaurant in Telford, who said she was a hard worker and had a bright future.

"She had many dreams ahead of her and a kind heart that touched those who had the opportunity to know her," Don Leo Restaurant. "For a time, Maria worked with us, and we will always remember her for her warmth, dedication, and the positive spirit she brought to those around her."

The GoFundMe had raised nearly $9,000 from 183 donors as of Monday afternoon. See details here.