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Roommates recall Sheykhet as loving, generous at vigil

Alina Sheykhet’s roommates and friends gathered Thursday night in Oakland to mourn the Pitt junior murdered Sunday in her home.

A vigil was held in Schenley Plaza, where her loved ones embraced and purple balloons were released in her memory.

"She was more than what happened to her and she was great," said her roommate, Becca Kubiczki.

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It’s been a whirlwind past couple of days for her roommates Kubiczki and a third roommate, Zach Brander.

"It's just unbelievable,” Brandner said. “You know, it's … no one should have to go through what we've been through."

Her roommates described Sheykhet as a fun-loving, generous and beautiful soul who loved her dog Benji, but loved friends and family even more.

"Alina's spirt was so very much alive. Every time she walked into a room, if you were even the slightest bit having a bad day, she would make you smile,” Brandner said.

"She was radiant and funny and she would always send me pictures of dogs,” Kubiczki added.

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Finding out Alina was murdered Sunday morning has rocked the Pitt community. Police arrested and charged Matthew Darby, her ex-boyfriend, with her murder.

According to the district attorney, Darby used a hammer and a knife from the inside of her Cable Place home to attack Sheykhet.

Pittsburgh police say the weapons were dropped into a sewer two blocks away from there.
Thursday night, her friends are cherishing their memories.

“She made everyone happy,” Brandner said. “She loved people, even when they didn't deserve to be loved.”

Another vigil is planned for Monday at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg.

Her friends have started a GoFundMe page to help with expenses related to her burial.

 

Cox Media Group

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