Eastern Michigan University students and others remembered 20 year old student athlete Demarius Reed with a march, rally, and candlelight vigil. Among those participating were Reed's mother and the family of Julia Niswender who was killed less than a year ago.
Over 200 people marched from Eastern Michigan University's student center up LeForge to the University Green apartment complex where Demarius Reed was killed a week ago. The student led march was a response to Reed's death and other recent acts of violence
EMU junior Darious Simpson says he hopes this is just the initial reaction and others are ready to do something to stop the violence. Simpson says he wants a better connection between students and the city of Ypsilanti, but it's really going to take student actions to solve the problem.
Demarius Reed's mother Tanesha says he was a wonderful child who loved life, football, and his family.
She says she will always be proud of her son who was the first in her family to go away to college and served as an inspiration to others.
One of the people Demarius Reed left a mark on was Kimberly Turnquist. She's the mother of Julia Niswender whose homicide police continue to investigate 10 months after she died not far from where Reed was killed. Turnquist interviewed Reed a few weeks ago when he was applying for a job.
She says she came to the march and vigil to offer Reed's family a shoulder and to encourage people to speak up about both deaths. Turnquist says the entire community has had enough with the senseless violence.
A visitation is scheduled for Friday in Chicago for Demarius Reed. His funeral will be Saturday in Harvey, Illinois.
