KALAMAZOO, Mich — Friends and family gathered on the 1400 block of Lane Blvd to honor the life of Temetrion Hegler. The 17-year-old was shot and killed in a domestic violence incident in his home on Wednesday.
Around 60-70 people stood outside of his house on the front yard, huddled together and a few of them hugging one another. Some people carried candles in their hands 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. His grandmother Iqullia Hegler said with tear-filled eyes on Wednesday that Temetrion was a very loving child. 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 taken to Kalamazoo County Jail.
A Gofundme page has been set up for Temetrion's family, if you would like to donate you can find it here.
