SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, Va. — The murder of Cynthia Carver shook her small community of Newsoms to its core.
Every time Elice Spann looks outside, she sees the home where Carver lived with her children.
Spann lives next door and knew Carver since she was a little girl.
As she glanced over at the house on Friday afternoon, she was met with a painful reminder.
Carver is no longer there.
“She always would come over, especially with the kids and I’m always giving them a treat,” said Spann. “You look over, you don't see the car, you don't see the kids outside. It's a sad thing. You still miss it, the town misses her. We still miss that little smile.”
RELATED: Investigators piece together details on Cynthia Carver’s disappearance
Months without Carver's smile and months without answers shook the tight-knit community to its core.
Time went on and neighbors didn’t have a clue about who may have killed the Southampton mom.
“Everybody was shocked. We were very uncomfortable knowing the killer was still out there,” said Spann. “You don't know who this person is, so you're on your guard at all times wondering, ‘Is he near? Where is he?'”
The fear led Spann to install new lighting around her home. She said neighbors joined in and began communicating with each other about ways to make the area more secure.
Spann said she prayed every day, hoping police would find the person who killed Carver.
Police found the person who allegedly killed the mom.
“I was always hopeful. Always hopeful, just a matter of time that they would capture this individual,” said Spann.
The arrest of James Goodwyn brings closure to those mourning.
“I was shouting ‘Hallelujah,’ that the family is relieved, the community is relieved on all of this. I was very happy on that,” said Spann.
Despite having some sort of closure, Spann said the peaceful street will never be the same without Carver, someone she considered a little sister.
Spann said Carver was always just steps away, ready to talk, listen, and share her smile.
“You miss those moments,” said Spann, as she fought back tears.