Canonsburg community holds vigil for pregnant woman killed by husband

CANONSBURG, Pa. — The Canonsburg community came together Sunday for a vigil honoring the pregnant woman killed by her husband after the police ambush Thursday.

Vigil organizers said Dalia Sabae, 28, had great potential. While many attendees did not know her, they said Sabae must be remembered.

• RELATED: Motive still unknown for deadly police ambush, pregnant woman's slaying

"Dalia has been very heavy on my heart since everything that happened last week. I felt like she had been forgotten," vigil organizer Deanna Lucas said.

Sabae was shot to death by her husband, Michael Cwiklinski, in a murder-suicide after he ambushed two Canonsburg police officers. Cwiklinski killed Officer Scott Basiouom and wounded Officer James Saieva before shooting Sabae and killing himself.

Sebae's visitation will be held Thursday from 2-8 p.m. at Salandra Funeral Home & Cremation Services. On Friday at 1:30 p.m., a dove will be released at the Oaks Spring Road Cemetery in her memory. On Saturday, a memorial for Sebae and other victims of domestic violence will take place at 11 a.m. at the Canonsburg Borough Building. Everyone is invited to attend and is asked to wear purple in her memory.

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A makeshift memorial for Sabae has been growing outside of her Woodcrest home with teddy bears, balloons and candles.

Sabae was three months pregnant and had an active protection from abuse order against Cwiklinski.

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Organizers said that no relationship should ever be abusive.

"Love doesn't hurt. Love doesn't cause pain. Love doesn't make you suffer,” Lucas said.

Those who knew Sabae best told Channel 11 said she had a heart of gold and was excited for her baby to be born. She was also attending school and studying pharmacy.

"Make her voice be heard.  I hate the fact that it had to happen (this) way for us to come together, but it did – and I love Canonsburg and I love my community," Lucas said.

Investigators are still investigating the motive behind the ambush and shooting.

Cox Media Group