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Family And Friends Mourn Jennifer Martel At Wake

TAUNTON (CBS) - They tried to comfort one another, but the sadness was overwhelming at a Taunton funeral home where a wake was held for 27-year-old Jennifer Martel. Friends and family paid their respects to the young woman who was brutally stabbed to death August 15, one day after she had taken out a restraining order against 34-year-old Jared Remy, the son of Red Sox icon and broadcaster Jerry Remy.

Relative Richard Hinton says they are still trying to understand the violence. "It's a total shock. She was the nicest girl you could ever meet in your life, a pleasant, giving and loving person."

Why prosecutors didn't seek bail on an assault and battery charge against Remy the day before the murder is now the subject of an independent investigation. Jennifer Martel never renewed the restraining order, leaving many to question if the system let her down.

"They've got to do more to protect these girls. They can't expect somebody to protect themselves in a situation like this, something has to be done," said Hinton.

Jennifer's mother Patty has told WBZ-TV that her daughter was looking for a way out of the tumultuous relationship, but it came too late. And in their grief, relatives say they're still remembering the Remy family. "They're kind, forgiving people. They have compassion for these people also," said Hinton.

Two veteran prosecutors are heading up the independent investigation. Jared Remy is now being held without bail.

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