Friends and family celebrate life of Jamecia Moffitt

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A little more than three weeks ago, Jamecia Moffitt was beaten to death on February 28. Dewayne Shurn is charged with one count of murder, and a habitual offender enhancement. Monday night, family, friends, and loved ones paid tribute to Jamecia.

On what would've been Jamecia's 36th birthday, some of the people who knew her best expressed grief and sorrow, but also, a bit of celebration, as they remembered her life. Terrica McMorris was Jamecia's cousin, but says they were so close, it felt more like a sibling bond.

"It could've been anybody, it could've been a sister, it could've been a cousin, it could've been somebody else's mom, grandma, aunt, it could go on and on. The most important thing is that we do receive justice for her. It was a hashtag be mindful, and we're mindful, we see what's going on and it's time for us to take a stand against it," said McMorris.

The focus at Monday's silent walk was to bring more attention to victims of domestic violence. McMorris tells me during the time Jamecia and her boyfriend were dating; Jamecia became isolated from those she was closest to.

"That was a thing, and that's what they do, they prey on the weak, so make sure you're taking an extra look at the family member that doesn't call that much, or the one that doesn't need that much help because they might be the one that needs the most help," said McMorris.

A hashtag with be mindful was displayed prominently throughout the walk, something McMorris says is a message to victims of domestic violence, letting them know it's okay to speak up. One of Jamecia's closest friends reflected on what she misses most about her.

"Her smile, I'll always remember her smile, and her jokes, her heart into everything she did, her energy," said Charice Hockaday, Jamecia's best friend."

Originally, the plan was for it to be a silent walk, but it ended up being filled with spiritual music, and prayers from those walking. Terrica reflected on that, saying it was perfect, because according to her, Jamecia had a loud personality that filled a room.