LAWRENCE — An Indianapolis mother is hoping to keep her son's name and legacy alive after he was shot and killed one year ago Thursday.
On Dec. 26, 2018, Aaron Lamonte Grice Jr. was shot and killed. His family and friends hosted a prayer vigil and balloon release Thursday night in his honor.
The shooting happened at Canterbury Apartments in Lawrence where his mother, Mary East, has placed countless fliers on doors over the past year.
Grice was found shot to death near a dumpster in the housing complex by his mom after he called her for help.
East told RTV6 they were just five minutes away when he called for help, but five minutes wasn't enough. When they got to the apartments, she realized he had been severely beaten and shot.
Since his death, East visits the apartments every month, leaving flowers, releasing balloons, and looking for the closure she needs.
"I'm grieving, but it's not getting any better because for once I know they are out in the streets and I know they are living their life, but for me to start healing they said I need to forgive, but I can't forgive someone that won't admit to what they did," East said.
At the vigil, East thanked everybody for sticking with her, her kids and her grandchildren.
"Justice. That's all I want. God, that's all I ask for," East said told the attendees.
The hardest part for those who knew Grice are the rumors they hear about what happened.
"We know who did it, but it's just proving. We don't have enough evidence. That's the reason why I'm begging and pleading," East said. "It's not snitching if you didn't participate. If you was just there, if you heard anything, know anything, talk."
East said she has been told her son died over a dice game, something small that never should have turned into a shooting.
Grice had two children of his own, and East hopes that by continuing to talk about her son's death and the grief she and his entire family face every day both publicly and on social media, the person responsible will come forward.
"Turn yourself in. Your mother, your father, your kid will be able to talk to you. They'll be able to see you. I'm never going to be able to see my son or talk to my son again," East said.
No suspects or persons of interest have been named in this case. Lawrence police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers to make an anonymous tip. That number is 317-262-TIPS.
