[Southsider2k12]

I think it is awesome how many of our kids have kept this young lady's memory alive.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/0...4d834139337.txt

Nonviolent march planned to honor fallen teen

By Ilene Haluska
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — A nonviolent march is planned from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5 in honor of Ne’Keisha Hodges-Hawkins.

The event begins at Monster Audio Shop, 1101 Pine St. and ends at Charles R. Westcott Park on the sidewalks, according to the flier. It is in remembrance of Ne’Keisha Hodges-Hawkins, who lost her life from a gunshot wound at Memorial Park in July 2011 while walking away from a birthday party at Krueger Memorial Hall.

There are T-shirts available at the shop for $15 to wear during the march.

Chester Hawkins, the grandfather of Ne’Keisha, said that he and his family are reaching out to the public for anyone with information about the shooting, asking them to go to the police and state what they know. He also believes some kids have a “code of silence.”

“The Hawkins family doesn’t have closure, and we want closure,” Hawkins said. “This thing has been going on for too long.

“This will hopefully encourage someone to step up and report what they know about this senseless crime,” Hawkins said.

“It could be one of their loved ones,” he added, saying that youths need guidance and to “right a wrong.”

Hawkins is expected to speak once those participating in the march reach the park, as well as Pastor Stanley Mason, of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, who plans to lead the group in prayer.

Hawkins added that he plans to contact Crime Stoppers and “America’s Most Wanted” for a follow-up on the matter.

Michigan City Police Sgt. Chris Yagelski said the case is still considered a pending investigation and police cannot comment about the case at this time.

“The case is a pending open investigation,” Yagelski said. “We have to stay independent, and because the case is still pending, we can’t discuss it.”

[Ang]

I was reading an article in the Herald Argus that the family of Ne'Keisha is putting out a box for people to provide anonymous tips about the shooting. It's been a year since this tragedy and there are still no leads. A candlelight vigil was held in Ne'Keisha's honor at the location of the shooting.
This Saturday the family is sponsoring a car and bike show at the LP Co. fairgrounds for Ne'Keisha's birthday, I'm sure the box will be there.
I urge anyone reading this, if you know who shot Ne'Keisha, or have information as to who may know, please please please attend this event and put a piece of paper in the box with information.
This family needs closure, and I know they are suffering over this senseless tragedy.

[Southsider2k12]

I just saw where it sounds like James Sanders, who was shot in the same incident, is going to college to play ball next year. Good luck!

[Southsider2k12]

Michigan City Police Department
Today marks the two year anniversary of the tragic death of NeKeisha Hodges-Hawkins (Keisha). Sadly, this investigation is ongoing. Given the large amount of people present during this homicide, we know there are witnesses to this murder and again we are pleading that those who saw the crime to come forward and assist the police in this investigation. Without the help of those that were present at the time of her death, this case cannot be solved and closure not given to the family. Anyone who observed what occurred that night is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Matt Barr of the Michigan City Police Department at 219-874-3221 ext 322 or mbarr@emichigancity.com

The Police - Public - Media MUST work together to make our communities safe.

Thank you

http://www.michigancitypolice.com/

[Southsider2k12]

http://www.wsbt.com/news/wsbt-after-two-ye...0,4896219.story

By Ted Land (tland@wsbt.com)
Click here to friend Ted on Facebook
WSBT-TV

11:15 p.m. EDT, July 24, 2013

MICHIGAN CITY -- It's been 2 years since someone shot and killed a 17-year-old girl at a park.

The case remains unsolved, despite the fact that there were dozens of witnesses.

The first crime happened at about 11 pm when someone opened fire on a crowd after a birthday party at Krueger Memorial Park, killing 17-year-old Ne'Keisha Hawkins.

But what immediately followed, and continues to this day, is what you might call a crime of the conscience.

Dozens of people, perhaps more than a hundred, were there and probably witnessed the shooting. But the Michigan City police department says no one's ever come forward and said who did it.

Almost all of the witnesses are juveniles and police can't interview them without their parents' cooperation.

According to police, a lot of moms and dads worry about the shooter retaliating against their kids, so some of them aren't giving detectives the access they need.

“This just don’t make no sense,” said Kalvon Hawkins, Wednesday night, at site where his daughter was killed.

He read a poem and made a plea for witnesses to come forward.

“If they was laying here they would want someone to help them,” he said.

The longer they keep quiet, the more it hurts.

“This just don't make no sense,” said Hawkins.

Ne’Keisha's family is trying to raise money to set up a reward fund.

They hope a cash incentive will entice someone to talk with police. Because so far, nothing else has worked.

[Southsider2k12]

Today is the 5th anniversary of this still unsolved tragedy, despite dozens of people being there when it happened. Hopefully someone is willing to come forward now. Let this girl finally rest in peace.