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COLUMBIA -- Supporters gathered for a candlelight vigil in Columbia Tuesday evening to remember the life of Doctor George Tiller.

Tiller, who performed late-term abortions, was gunned down at his Kansas church on Sunday.

"We are outraged and deeply saddened by the loss of this extremely important man in our community," said Michelle Trupiano with Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri. "Our thoughts and our prayers go out to him and his family and everyone who is grieving over this tragedy."

Some 40 people showed up pay tribute. The event, which was scheduled to be held at Peace Park was moved indoors because of the rain. With candles lit, supporters remembered Tiller, a Wichita, Kan. doctor at the center of a contentious abortion debate.

The tribute was organized by Planned Parenthood, so it was a decidedly pro-choice crowd. Supporters spoke about the shock of Tiller's murder and what they say he meant to women's rights.

I'm "very saddened, very angry," said Bonnie Trickey, a pro-choice supporter. "That such a good man that was providing a good service would be targeted in such a way."

Tiller's alleged killer, Scott Roeder, appeared in court via video screen Tuesday and was charged with first degree murder. Anti-abortion groups condemned Tiller's killing but some called Tiller evil.

"George Tiller is a mass murderer," said activist Randall Terry. "And, horrifically, he reaped what he sowed."

Columbia's Planned Parenthood says while they referred clients to Tiller he had his own Wichita-based clinic and wasn't affiliated with Planned Parenthood. They say he served women all across Missouri, and the U.S.

"In this day and age women should be able to receive legal services without intimidation, without fear for their safety," said Trupiano. "And we applaud Doctor Tiller, even in the face of obstacles, for continuing to provide those very needed services."

Rep. Mary Still was at Tuesday's event and acknowledged differences between both sides of the abortion debate. She said she hopes each side can find common ground.

Many of Tiller's supporters expressed shock and said his death is a blow to the pro-choice movement. One of those supporters was Phil Wood, a University of Missouri professor. Ten years ago, Wood's wife received an abortion from Tiller - the news of his murder hit him hard. 

"I was shocked and stunned particularly because it happened in a church," said Wood. "It took a while to process that information."