KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Friends and family gathered on the 1400 block of Lane Blvd. to memorialize the life of Temetrion Hegler. The 17-year-old high school senior was shot and killed in a domestic violence incident in his home on Wednesday, according to Kalamazoo Public Safety.
Around 60 to 70 people huddled together in the front yard outside his house, a few of them hugging one another. Some people carried candles, while others held onto green and white balloons in honor of his favorite school and football team, the Michigan State Spartans.
Markers were passed around for loved ones to write messages to Temetrion on the balloons. Later the balloons were released into the sky.
“The first time that Temetrion helped us in the yard with something, I remember I was giving him some money. I was giving him $5 to help me out,” said neighbor and friend Chris Wahmhoff. “And he looked at me and was like, ‘You don’t got to give me $5, I’ll just help you because you’re cool.’”
Stories like these were shared during the vigil. Temetrion was a very loving child, his grandmother Iqullia Hegler said with tear-filled eyes. He was never in trouble or out on the streets. She described him as the type of kid who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.
According to Kalamazoo Public Safety, the suspect appears to be Temetrion's step-grandfather, who has been arrested and is in Kalamazoo County Jail.
