KENT COUNTY—
It has been four years since a mother from Kent county was found stabbed to death in her own home. Those who were close to Renee Pagel are celebrating her life and doing what they can to make sure it doesn't become another unsolved Cold Case.The nurse, teacher and mother was recuperating in her Courtland Township home back in August of 2006 after donating her kidney to a complete stranger.
That stranger was Phil Salliotte, the father of one of her nursing students.
"It was a blessing and a Godsend, here is a perfect stranger coming forward not knowing me, ever having met me before, offering up one of her organs," he told Fox 17 News.
Just a few days after the transplant, Renee was found stabbed to death in her own bed. Four years later, there still hasn't been an arrest in the case, but she's the reason Phil's here today. And the reason dozens of her closest friends gathered at a local restaurant on the night of her murder to remember her.
Renee was going through a bitter divorce at the time of her murder and police announced four years ago that her husband Michael was the only person of interest in the case. He now has custody of the three children.
"There are so many people who loved her, and we're not going to forget her," said one of the victim's best friends Chris Crandle.
Over the past few years, her friends have made sure her case won't be forgotten. They've put her face on billboards, posters, held candlelight vigils, created bracelets and even websites devoted to her case.
"I am absolutely determined and as long as God tells me to keep fighting for justice I will do it," said Crandle.
Renee's life was cut short but she brought a lot of people together and gave others a second chance at their life.
Now they're trying to pass on her generosity and stay together, as police work to solve the case.
"Every day's actually a blessing that I'm here on this earth because of Renee Pagel," said Salliotte.
Detectives say they're still investigating the case, but don't have enough evidence to make an arrest.
