A memorial of balloons, flowers and messages is growing outside the doorstep of Jessie Gordon’s apartment. Police said the 34-year-old woman died after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a domestic assault.

“It’s an absolute tragedy to lose a child to something so senseless and so violent,” said Erin Mishler, Gordon’s neighbor.

“My heart is aching for her parents,” said Heather Brandick, a Westmont Borough resident.

Investigators said Gordon’s on-and-off-again boyfriend for the past 12 years, Marcus Taczanowski, beat her while they were at her apartment on Bucknell Avenue in Westmont Borough on November 13.

Gordon died on November 22 at Conemaugh Hospital.

Taczanowski was charged with criminal homicide on Tuesday after an autopsy revealed Gordon died from blunt force head trauma.

Assistant Cambria County District Attorney Erin Dominick prosecutes domestic violence cases. She said this is the second domestic violence-related death in the county just in the past four weeks.

“It should raise a lot of red flags,” Dominick said.

Taczanowski’s preliminary hearing is set for December 19. Dominick said it is bittersweet to be able to file charges against him.

“It feels great to be able to bring them forward, but not only bring justice for Jessie but her family. Because this is a difficult time not only for her family, but her family and friends,” Dominick said.

Dominick said she wants anyone in an abusive relationship to seek help.

“It just should never happen. It should never happen,” Brandick said.

“I think the message is just listen to your children and their fears and concerns about any relationship they’re in and protect them if you can,” Mishler said.

A memorial service in Gordon’s honor is planned for Saturday, December 16 at 1 pm at Westmont Presbyterian Church. Instead of flowers, the family is asking for donations to any humane society.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can contact police or reach out to the Women’s Help Center in Johnstown by calling 1-800-999-7406 or visiting their website.

You can also visit the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence website.