Vigil held for slain Upper Darby mother, ex-boyfriend named 'person of interest'

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- A community came together in an outpouring of support for a family that lost one member to murder.

They crowded onto Emerson Avenue in Upper Darby Monday night and stood in front of the home where 38-year-old Masako Griffin was found dead.

"She was such an approachable person and she always approached you with a smile and open heart," Alista Stevenson, the victim's sister, said.

Investigators say Griffin was discovered Sunday morning in her second floor bedroom with a towel over her head. She had been strangled.

Police believe she was killed sometime late last week, but was discovered during a well-being check.

The single mother of a 22-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter had recently graduated from Delaware Community College with nursing and behavioral health degrees.

She was working two jobs, including one at Philadelphia International Airport to support her family.

"Whether you were a friend or foe she would be there for you," Stevenson said.

That's most likely why Griffin continued her off and on 17-year-relationship with her 38-year-old ex-boyfriend DeSchae Lowry.

Sources say police are looking for the man in Florida; he's being called a person of interest in the killing.

The couple shared a child together and police say they had been called to Griffin's home numerous times for domestic violence.

"She knew her family and friends did not approve of the relationship so we just maintained as a love and support to continue to be there and make a presence so she wouldn't be totally isolated," Stevenson said.

That love continued Monday evening as about 200 loved ones remembered the hardworking mother.

"We absolutely have faith in the police department that the man in the question who whoever done this will be caught," Stevenson said.

Action News has also learned Griffin had a protection from abuse order against her ex-boyfriend.

No arrest or charges have been made in this case.