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Police Step Up Patrols In South Boston After Attacks

BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Police are promising a stronger presence in South Boston to ease the fear of residents and many hope it stays for awhile.

"You can't look out for a couple days and think it's over," said Don Wozniak who organized a small neighborhood vigil for Amy Lord who was beaten, abducted and murdered Tuesday morning. The horrific death is still very raw in the neighborhood.

Outside her South Boston apartment on Dorchester Street, simple candles were lit against the rain and prayers were offered for the young woman who was kidnapped at the same spot, leaving many now considering their own security. "It's almost like a dream happening here," said Nick Anti who was a former classmate of Lord's in her hometown of Wilbraham and also moved to Boston. "You feel like you're in a tight knit community, it's still unfathomable."

Word from Boston Police that Edwin Alemany remains a "person of interest" puts hope in the investigation. "I'm hoping he's the right guy," said one resident.

Details of two other vicious assaults, allegedly at the hands of Alemany, are sending chills. WBZ-TV has learned that 21 year old Kayleigh Ballantyne was stabbed six times as she headed into her South Boston apartment Wednesday morning, finally escaping through the front door.

Another woman says early Tuesday she was assaulted as she walked to her job at a Dunkin Donuts, punched in the jaw and dragged by her feet into an open parking lot.

The attacks have left many looking for any measure of security. The city handed out whistles and safety information in South Boston as many residents alter routines. "I used to walk my dog alone without thinking about it. Many of us are walking together now," said Megan McNamara.

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