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After Woman’s Body Found, Neighbors Say They Saw Signs of Trouble

WILLIAMSPORT — Neighbors near where a woman’s body was found in a trash can in Williamsport insist there were warning signs indicating trouble betwe...
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WILLIAMSPORT -- Neighbors near where a woman's body was found in a trash can in Williamsport insist there were warning signs indicating trouble between the victim and the suspect in her death.

But was enough done to try to prevent the violence that occurred?

Neighbors and people who saw the couple around Williamsport say there were signs of an abusive relationship.

People say they reached out, but the couple just wasn't looking for help.

"She was a beautiful person with a really terrible life," Jane Gallagher of Williamsport said.

Gallagher was tearful while sharing memories about her friend, Kristina Pope.

Police in Williamsport say Pope's boyfriend, Hasan Gooden-Reid, admitted to stabbing Pope several times earlier this month and then keeping the body at his home in a housing complex on Sherman Street.

"I don't know if she got to receive love fully without any level of abuse, but I know she wanted that," Gallagher said.

Court papers say Gooden-Reid wrapped Pope's body in a blanket and put her in a closet. When the neighbors at Michael Ross Homes eventually complained of a smell, Gooden-Reid put the body in the trash.

"It's very heartbreaking, especially with her being as young as she was. It's vicious that something like this would happen," said Shawnda Eiswerth of Williamsport.

Many neighbors said they are feeling remorse and guilt after this killing. Some of them said they saw signs of an abusive relationship, but just couldn't do enough to stop it.

"She was sitting there with bruises everywhere and I asked her was he putting his hands on her? She, of course, wouldn't say anything, dropped her head," said Eiswerth.

Grady Walker of Williamsport said he spoke with Gooden-Reid one day before he allegedly killed Pope.

"'Mr. Walker, I'm not beating her up. She's lying.' I come to find out on the seventh, the girl was killed. I just wish Ii could have did a little bit more," said Walker.

Jenny Hull works for Family Promise of Lycoming County. The non-profit in Williamsport helps homeless families, including many with domestic violence issues.

"If you see a neighbor that's in trouble, it's our responsibility to be better then. We all have to be better," Hull said. "I think there is a lot of stigma and shame that is associated with domestic violence and so I would suggest you not give up."

Hull says if you or someone you know is being abused, you are urged to reach out for help.

Gooden-Reid is set to be back in court in August.

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