GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (March 19, 2014) –It has been a year since Grand Rapids police were called to the home of Latrice Maze during an argument with her boyfriend Jahleel Hoskins. That would be the last day anyone would see Maze. Hoskins was sentenced in January for her murder.
Latrice Maze’s family released pink balloons in her honor on Wednesday in southeast Grand Rapids.
Even though it’s been a year, the family said that it feels like just yesterday when they received a call that something had happened.
“I got a phone call from that guy who did what he did to her, so in that moment I knew something was wrong because I know her. We were really close, and the things that he (Jahleel Hoskins) was saying to me weren’t right,” said Theresa Ezell, Maze’s aunt.
After several weeks, her boyfriend, Jahleel Hoskins, would be charged and later convicted of murder. Even though her body was never found, Hoskins was sentenced to serve at least 50 years in prison for her death.
“We can’t bring her back. I know his family was kind of upset, but they can go see him. We’ll never be able to. We can’t even visit her grave. You know, we’ll never see her again,” said Theresa Ezell.
Maze’s family said that the last year has been especially hard for her five children, who are taking it day-by-day.
“Words can’t even describe her. A love that’s lost. You know, all we have to do now is take care of the kids. It’s about the kids now,” said Victoria Ezell, Maze’s aunt.
Both Theresa and Victoria hope other women in abusive relationships seek help before it’s too late.
“I really would like for them to just talk to somebody. Just tell somebody. Anything they are going through with their significant other, if it’s minor or major, please tell somebody because you never know what it leads to,” said Theresa Ezell.
