Vigil held for elderly couple robbed in deadly Brooklyn home invasion

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Dozens turned out in Brooklyn Friday night at a vigil to denounce violence against the elderly in the wake of a deadly home invasion that left a 91-year-old man dead and his 100-year-old wife a widow.

The rally was held on Decatur Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant, where on Wednesday police say a group of men broke into an elderly couple's home and tied up Waldiman and Ethlin Thompson.

Waldiman died during the home invasion, with the medical examiner ruling sudden cardiac arrest as the cause. His death was classified as a homicide.

Neighbors said the Waldimans were like family, known on the block for their kindness and generosity.

At the vigil, the message was about caring for each other, and caring for young ones so they will learn by example how to treat their elders.

"If you're even thinking remotely that it's right to put your hands on an elderly person, you are wrong," community activist Bruce Green said. "You are wrong. These people have worked for what they had. No on should be taking anything from them. It's unnecessary."

About $5,000 in cash was stolen from the home, and sources say the thieves knew where that money was hidden.

So far, there are no arrests in the case.