Vigil planned to honor murdered Dallas business owner

DALLAS - Family and friends of a well-known Dallas entrepreneur will remember her on Monday.

A large crowd is expected to gather in memory of Donna Alexander. Not only is the community devastated hearing about her death, but they also want to shine a spotlight on domestic violence.

Alexander gained national attention because of her unique business concept – The Anger Room. It’s a place where people can go to relieve stress without hurting others.

She campaigned against domestic violence but was tragically victimized by her estranged boyfriend, Nathaniel Mitchell. Police said he violently assaulted her inside her home. She was taken off life support last week.

The Real Housewives of Dallas met Alexander when they shot an episode at The Anger Room. Cast member Deandra Simmons is a domestic violence survivor and said she wants to bring awareness to the issue that affects so many people.

“At this time in 2018, when we’re in the middle of the #MeToo movement, we’re in the middle of people speaking out and I’m so grateful that they’re speaking out. But when is it going to change? When is it going to stop? I think it begins at home. I think it begins when you’re a parent. You have to treat your children and teach them that this is not okay,” Simmons.

Mitchell is in the Tarrant County jail and now charged with Alexander’s murder.

The vigil in her honor will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cole Park in Uptown Dallas. The organizers are asking people to wear red and black in her memory.

They’ll also be handing out purple ribbons to fight against domestic violence and to honor those affected. They’re asking people to wear that color for the month of October.