Losing a child is a parent’s worst nightmare. But for some, the pain is more unbearable when unanswered questions surround the death.
“I want to know what happened to my son,” says Royce Eckley, who’s struggled for more than a year trying to find answers in connection with the death of her son.
January 4, 2013, Eckley’s son, Marcus Merritt, was found dead in his home in Leonville, Louisiana in St. Landry Parish. His death was ruled a suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. But Eckley does not believe it. For one, she says no autopsy was done.
“The coroner himself told me he never saw him. He went straight from the house to the funeral home,” said Eckley.
She also says no gunshot residue tests were completed. Eckley feels the case was inadequately investigated… And adds various witnesses gave conflicting details.
“One says he was laying next to the bed but someone else was told that he was found in the kitchen,” said Eckley.
She finds it suspicious that the day after Marcus died, the mattress in his room was burned.
“The mattress was burned the next day and then within a few days the house was totally cleaned out,” said Eckley.
Eckley says Marcus had three children and was planning for the future. She says this text message with his best friend on the day of his death discusses plans to pursue a job prospect in Houston.
“He had plans to move back to Texas. He had a job that was starting either January 27th or January 28th,” said Eckley.
About the mattress and cleanup, Police Chief Joseph Noel says he authorized cleanup of the house. Both he and St. Landry Coroner Russell Pavich stand by their original findings that it was a self-inflicted gunshot.
After receiving the police report, St. Landry Parish District Attorney Earl Taylor says, in a letter to Eckley, “The evidence clearly established that your son died from a self-inflicted small-caliber gunshot wound in the mouth without exit wounds.”
Calcasieu Parish Coroner Terry Welke doesn’t speak specifically about the Merritt case but says in such a case, “We would have brought the body in for an examination, done the X-ray and retrieved the bullet.”
Welke says in Calcasieu, all bodies with gunshot wounds are brought to the coroner’s office for examination.
“If the bullet is inside of the body, we take X-rays no matter what, where the gunshot wound of entrance is located to see if there is a bullet that is still in there or not. If the bullet is in there, I will do an autopsy to retrieve the bullet so it can be examined and compared to the weapon is there is one found at the scene,” said Welke.
He says they also draw blood for possible toxicology tests, though they don’t necessarily run analyses if the cause of death is apparent. But he says sometimes, in a suicide, family members wish to pay the cost of testing.
Welke says when a gunshot enters the mouth, the ruling is almost always a suicide because no one is going to allow someone to put the barrel of a gun in their mouth. But he says in Calcasieu, the bullet would be removed from the body and compared to the gun at the scene.
“We try to test fire the weapon and then they look for some markings on the bullet from the test firing and then compare those with the bullet retrieved from the body and see if it’s actually the same weapon that was supposedly found at the scene,” said Welke.
He says in a suicide where the bullet is recovered outside the body, an autopsy would likely not be done.
Still, Welke says it can be hard to determine entrance and exit wounds at the scene. Welke says bringing the body to the exam room where they have adequate lighting and are able to clean the body helps in differentiating suicide versus accident versus homicide.
Still, Welke says he does not judge coroners in smaller jurisdictions with fewer resources.
“I cannot fault any particular parishes because they have to do what they feel is right and if they can get the cause of death and the manner of death on the death certificate, then so be it,” said Welke.
Eckley remains determined and wants more investigation.
“Exhume his body and have an autopsy done on him which should have been done at the beginning. I will do whatever it is it takes to find out what happened to him…because I love him and nobody else loves him like that,” she said.
She says she’ll pursue any and all means available until she is satisfied she knows what happened to her son.
Below see more of Dr. Welke’s comments:
Welke says very important reasons they bring all bodies, with gunshot wound(s) to they office are due to the challenges of determining entrance and exit wounds.
“It can be extremely difficult to discern entrance and exit wounds at the scene, hospital, etc.; therefore, adequate lighting and cleansing of the body, at office assists in the task of differentiating suicide versus accident versus homicide,” said Welke.
He admits not all jurisdictions can afford such evaluations.
“ I am biased and feel that gunshot victims should be evaluated by someone with an ‘experienced eye’, after cleansing the body and then visualized in a well-lit area. Unfortunately, not all jurisdictions are able to afford such evaluations; thus, they have to rely on circumstances at the scene and witness statements (truthful or otherwise),” said Welke.
He says he has made recommendations to coroners and organizations aimed at improving the accuracy of death investigations.
“I have made those recommendations to various coroners and organizations, in hopes of improving the determination of the manners of death (suicide, homicide, accident)–sometimes I have been successful/sometimes not,” says Welke. He says though legislation might be beneficial, he feels progress is a frustratingly, slow process.
Copyright 2014 KPLC All rights reserved
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MJA INVESTIGATIONS UPDATE: THE MARCUS MERRITT STORY – click here
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01/31/08: Video – Talking with Mark Harper of MJA Inc Investigations – click here!
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01/24/18: Universal Collective Network – click here!
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01/04/17: Latest Announcement: The Marcus Merritt Story – FB Live with Sevgi Fernandez – click here!
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12/21/17: MJA NEWS SPOTS: PART : 3 THE DEATH OF MARCUS MERRITT SR. – click here!
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9/24/15: For additional media, listen to a LIVE interview as RED JOURNAL RADIO PRESENTS: THE MARCUS MERRITT STORY – click here!
https://www.facebook.com/universalcollectivenetwork/videos/1977784645881239/
I haven’t given up, NOR WILL I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love u Marc
I love & miss u Marc
I love & miss u. ?????
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thetracyfortshow/2016/05/25/day-of-action-follow-up-show-for-marcus-merritt-sr
DAY OF ACTION: Finding Justice for Marcus Merrritt, Sr. 05/25 by The Tracy Fort Show | News Podcastshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/thetracyfortshow/2016/05/25/day-of-action-finding-justice-for-marcus-merrritt-sr
Body of a man who died in Leonville exhumed
http://www.katc.com/story/32157740/body-of-a-man-who-died-in-leonville-exhumed
http://tobtr.com/8726807
I don’t know why the previous comment says motocross, it’s ur Momma
Happy Birthday Marc, we love and miss u very much. Rest easy my son, I won’t until I KNOW!!!!!
Sometimes when we have made a right decision, it takes a while for our feelings to come into line with our actions. But, with Gods’ help, they eventually will! Written by Malta McGrady, (found in her Bible) my Momma ♡♡♡♡♡
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thetracyfortshow/2016/04/22/what-really-happened-to-marcus-a-merritt-sr
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thetracyfortshow/2016/04/22/what-really-happened-to-marcus-a-merritt-sr
Marc, I’m still trying <3
Happy New Year Marc. I love and miss u ???
Tk Benson to Royce Eckley
December 13 at 2:31am ·
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the show is scheduled for Tuesday at 7pm my time which should be 8pm ur time. if ur on central time like myself then 7pm.
please feel free to share this with whoever
A Son found Deceased in his home, a mother still looking for answers
This is Brother_khalid and please tune in this Tuesday comming up, as I interview Royce Eckley. A mother of color, whose son was found dead in his home in…
http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/investigate-the-murder-of-marcus-anthony-merritt-sr
https://forthe1789usconstitution.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/justice-for-marcus-a-merritt-sr-of-leonville-la/
Marcus it’s been a while sense I have talked to you. I couldn’t let the day go by without saying Happy Birthday. I love and miss you. Auntie
I miss u ;-( this is really hard Marc. I love u very, very much.
Marc, yesterday was another birthday without you, God willing I’ll have many more but, it doesn’t diminish how much I miss you
Marc, yesterday was another birthday without you, God willing I’ll have many more but, it doesn’t diminish how much I miss you
Marc, I love & miss you so much ;-( </3
Marc, I miss you 🙁 this is very hard. I love you
Marc, the kids came again & I loved every second of it. I’m kinda tired now but, it’s a good tired 🙂 You’ll be happy to know, Astrea & I had a long talk, we have to find our way because the kids have been hurt enough!!!! Plus, we all have lost ENOUGH. I love you very much…. <3
People, People, People and People this level of incompetence should not be tolerated. These elected or appointed officials need to be retrained. The police chief, the district attorney and the coroner are positions that should instill trust and confidence in the public at the time of need. These individuals have RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ALL OVER THEM. The term, Practice Makes Perfect, in most walks of life is a positive thing, the boat was certainly missed with these individuals. Our experience as a family is, PRACTICE, has imbedded in a level of incompetence that is very scary. I certainly hope that the state of Louisiana investigates Leonvilles practices and procedures. All families deserve to have verfied facts about what happened to their loved ones. Marcus I Love.
Marcus, it is still unreal that we have to deal with the loss of you. The authorities truly did you an injustice by not treating you with dignity and respect. They should have investigated to verify what they we told was actually what happened which would have eliminate all the hear say crap. It is very hard to have to deal with incompetence surrounding such a tragedy. Your mother has shown so much grace, determination and courage in fighting to find out what really happened to you. I am so very proud of her and I draw a lot of strength from her. God is on our side and with his help and your mother we will find the answers. I love you and I miss you very much, you continue to stay close. Love Auntie
I love you, Big Sister
This is insane! So anyone in Leonville can shoot someone and then call the police and say that committed suicide and get away with it? I also don’t understand why Marcus’ mother has had to go through so much just to find out what “really” happened to her son? It’s amazing how mean this entire ordeal has been! Non-compassionate people have no business working on behalf of our communities! This requires a full investigation for the truth in this situation! I’m appalled at this so I can ONLY imagine how is mother feels.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.”
ANSWER HER QUESTIONS PEOPLE! UGH!!!!!!!!
P.S. And for anyone who says she’s in denial, prayerfully, this will NEVER happen to you! Nothing means anything to anyone anymore until it happens to THEM!
Thank you, Regina. You’re right, it’s not fair what I’ve gone thru nor is it just!!! I deserve to know what happened to my son, it’s my God given right as his Mother. It doesn’t matter what I must go thru, I’ll do whatever it takes to get my answers. No, I’m not in denial nor have I ever said if it’s proven to me what I’ve been told is what happened will I not accept that & have peace. If Marc decided to take his life, it was his to make that decision. If someone else decided, that wasn’t their choice to make. Thank you for all you’ve done. I love you.
Happy Birthday Marc!!!! I love & miss you!
Marc, it’s been a while since I’ve written you but, UNLIKE some I haven’t forgotten you nor will I ever!!!!! It’s quite sad witnessing the ” I love & miss Marcus” posts when prior to that a post is made, IN A RELATIONSHIP!!!! Smdh’ do I care, NOPE….do I feel for my Grandkids, YES. This world seems to have flipped since you left it but, I’m doing all in my power to make my part flip back right. I was so happy the kids came for Christmas & once since then. Markell said they’re supposed to spend half the Summer, we’ll see. She & Scooter called me on Mothers’ Day, that was sweet & just like getting a call from you. 🙂 I miss them so much & words can’t begin to describe how much I miss you. 🙁 Kyrah & Ryan are doing good & Atticus is growing fast. Of course you know that since you spend lots of time with hm. Thank you for my feather, it’s going to be a pretty tattoo. Auntie’s doing ok, she has her moments, as do we all. Anthony’s going to his 8th grade prom tomorrow, don’t worry, I’ll be there for you watching him get dressed & snapping pictures. It’s so unfair all the milestones you’ll miss but, as long as God sees fit for me to live, I’ll be there for us both. Dave’s doing good, hey we got married, like you didn’t know. I felt you so near me that day I thought for a second I’d see you. Marc, I feel you near lots of times & if you decide I can handle it, I won’t be afraid if you appear. Well, I guess I’ll go call your Auntie, I know you love that. I love you baby very, very much. I’m going to keep my promise to you if it’s my last feat on Earth!!!!!!!!!! Momma
Merry Christmas baby ♡♡♡♡ I love u
Marc, It’s Christmas Eve & normally I’d be on my way to spend it with you & your family 🙁 but, nothing has really been normal since January 4th. Stay close baby & get me through the next few days. I love you… Momma
Marcus, you were the first that made me an Auntie and every time I heard you say Auntie it was music to me ears. Never hearing you say Auntie again and not know the reason why is totally unexceptable. Not knowing what happened to you makes me angry, pissed off and a few other choice words I could say but I won’t, I am sure you could fill them in for me. Your mother is doing everything she can to fight for you and I support her fully. You continue to be a source of strength and keep your arms wrapped around us tight. We will not give up hope or the fight. I Love You Very Much, Auntie.
The first Thanksgiving without you 🙁 I woke to many texts wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving but, how i wish one was from you. I miss you Marc & love you very much. Enjoy your day with Jesus & all your loved ones in Heaven…Momma
Marc, I haven’t written in a while. I never stop thinking about you. Auntie & I talk nearly daily. I know you love that. We’ve discovered they’re many sick people in this world. People who when somebody is at their lowest point will dive in for the kill smdh. What kind of people do that?? I don’t want to stand in their shoes before God. It’s not going to be a nice day for them. I miss you very much but I’m making it. Still trying to find out what happened to you, NOTHING & NOBODY will stop that!!! I love you baby…
Momma
9 months ago today my world was shattered my heart torn to shreds, it was when I received the devastating news you were no longer on this Earth 🙁 I wondered how is this true, how will I go on without seeing Marc. God carried me that day & He’s continuing to do so daily. It’s a struggle sometimes & some days I feel i won’t make it. Love & prayers from so many people have held me up. Marc i love you very much, not one day goes by that you’re not in my thoughts. Hopefully very soon we’ll know what happened to you & then perhaps it’ll get easier.
Marc, nobody could have EVER convinced your Grandmother you took your own life. Hmmmm strange others could be so easily swayed. She knew her Grandchild & Im pretty sure i know my son. I love you…Momma
Missing you very much right now 🙁 i love you Marc
Marc, your little sister said she wants you to know she has it nd, ” Watch out der nah” I love you… Momma
Marc, I just talked to one of your friends from Channelview on Facebook. She was terribly shocked to find out you’re no longer with us. She said she’d been trying to find her big brother since she returned to the States because she wanted you to know she kept her promise & gave her first born son the name, Anthony as his middle name. I told her you would have loved that & it gave me goose bumps. You were so loved by many & missed very much. You made an impact on lives you knew nothing about. I love you & Im proud God chose me to be your Momma.
Marc, we’re still searching but don’t worry I’m taking care of your Mom. We love you
Marc, i miss you very much. I wonder how much longer I’ll have to wait for the truth. However long it takes, Im in for the long haul. We’re not giving up. I love you baby… Momma
Marc, your Sister went to see the Texans play today 🙁 she had tears in her eyes throughout the game because she wished you were there. She said she misses you very much. She keeps a lot inside & doesn’t talk about you often. She loves you very much, you were her first playmate, her protector, her Big Brother. I told her I know because, I miss you too. Life is so different without you in it. It’s an empty world post of without your smile, laughter, jokes & love. Ms. Blanks wrote a comment to you & told me on Facebook that you were loved. I thanked her for treating you like her son. So many people love & miss you. Youmade an impact on many lives Marc & now we each carry you in our hearts. I love you, rest with the Angels until I see your face again… Momma
Can’t sleep 🙁 missing you Marc. I love you… Momma
We greatly appreciate your concern and your support, but more so, the creator of the page and the staff of Support for Marissa Alexander want to express our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your son. No parent should have to bury their children. May God bless him. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Maybe a good private investigator who does pro-bono cases could help you in ways that no one else can.
Yuvonne, he’s close to those of us who love him. I feel his presence also & it’s comforting. God in His infinite wisdom has a time for all things & He’s preparing us for the moment all will be revealed. Im almost certain it’s nothing we’ve imagined so, He has to be sure we can withstand it. Don’t worry, I won’t give up & I know neither will you. I love you… Your Baby Sister
Hi Marcus, just talked to your Mother, we shared our sorrow, tears, anger and memories, all which gives us the courage to continue fighting for you. We miss you so much, but we feel your presence and that gives us the strength to continue. We will never give up searching for the truth, you stay close. I don’t have to see you to know you are with me. I can hear you saying, don’t cry Auntie it’s going to be ok, I don’t see how that is possible but I am trying to have faith. I love you Auntie.
Another Friday but, an ok one. Markell & Scooter called again 😀 hopefully I’ll see them again some day. I miss you so very much Marc, I can’t stand it sometimes. I told Regina tonight it’s surreal that I’ll go the rest of my life without seeing you or feeling your tight hugs :'( Im glad I recorded your voice so at least I can still hear you. I love you baby… Momma
Hi Marcus, I miss you. It seems like it is taking for ever to find out what happened to you. I know God has his own time schedule and he is giving us the strength to hold on. We are all keeping the faith and you continue to stay close. I Love You Auntie.
The other night I laid down in bed & tears came to my eyes. No parent should have the image of standing next to their child laying motionless on a gurney covered by a sheet 🙁 its unbearable. Most times I remember you laughing, talking joking etc but, every so often that creeps into my head. I would gladly trade places with you but, God has a different plan for me right now. He knows my determination to find out what truly happened to my child laying& I’ll follow that plan. I love you Marc… Momma
Marc, Markell nd Scooter called me!!!!!!! I was so happy to hear their little voices, it’s been a long time. I love them very much & really miss them. They start school Friday & Markell said she’ll call then so I’ll know how their first day went. That’s the best thing that’s happened on a Friday in months. I love you… Momma
Marc, sitting here thinking about you, I can’t sleep 🙁 will there ever be an answer to my question? Sometimes I wonder & it makes me angry. Others’ lives are going on seemingly not bothered. This is pure hell & we didn’t ask for nor understand it. This has to be resolved soon so I can rest easier. It’s almost been seven months & still no resolution but, I know God is in charge. He may not come when we want Him to but, He always comes on time. I was happy Anthony spent some time here with me. He & Marcus always stayed up all night & slept all day, little vampires 😀 well, guess I’ll try sleeping. I love you… Momma
Big Sister, keep praying for us all & I love you
Little Sister, I know you have a difficult fight on you hands, God will continue to give you the strength to carry on. You are one strong lady, continue to take the negatives that are hurled at you and use them as fuel for your determination. You have lots of positives on you side, keep fighting. Love you, your big sister.
Marcus, your mother and my baby sister has so much strength. You can trust that she will fight to the very end for you, no doubt this is hard for her but she will never give up. She has lots of love and support, we are all praying that soon the truth will be revealed. I love your mother and I love you too. Auntie
Yuvonne, Im not as strong as I once was, it’s the prayers & love from many that’s helping me along. Also, the knowledge that I must find out the truth sustains me. I love you very much. Your little sister
Marc, sometimes I feel I won’t have strength to go on & then I think, who’ll fight for you, who’ll be your voice, who’ll try as hard as I am? The answer is, nobody because, Im the one who gave birth to you, felt your little movements inside my body, listened to your heartbeat & carried you beneath my own heart. Every fiber of my being misses you every day & I promise you, I won’t rest until I know truthfully what happened to you. You’re my firstborn child. If you did it, I’ll try to understand, Everyday is a challenge but, I’ll be ok, don’t worry. I love you… Momma
Marcus, my thoughts of you go from happiness to sadness. When the sadness sets in, It feels like I am being hit by a sledge hammer over and over again. The lost of you will never seem real, this is just messed up. I guess God decided he needed you more than we did, we can’t see you, but he allows us to feel your presence. Love Auntie
Yuvonne, it’s VERY messed up & no matter how much time passes, it never seems real. He’s near those of us who love him. I love you
Marc, I’ve sat her thinking about so many things, & I think I’ll go to bed because my thoughts are racing right now & none too good. I love you
I love you Marcus Anthony. Merritt, Sr. & will for as long as I live & will carry that with me to Heaven to link back up with your heart <3 <3 <3
Hi Marcus, I miss you so much, the little boy grew up to be a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, husband and father. You embraced each relationship and when you greeted someone and gave them a hug they knew they had been hugged. You had the unique ability to make your loveones feel special. It’s a painfull reality that we are living with knowing that we will never see you again, feel that special hug or hear that special voice. I Love and Miss You Auntie
We all miss him & he was all those things plus so much more. All throughout his life he made people feel at ease & when he cared about you, there was no doubt in your mind . I miss him too
Hi Marcus, thinking about you, takes me back to when you were a little boy. I remember when Kyrah was a baby, I came to visit and your mother left you and Kyrah in my care, I said to myself I’am a big girl I can handle this. Well things were going just fine until I started to give Kyrah a bath and you wanted to help. She was full of soap, screaming, slippery and hard to hold on to. You told me momma lets you help her all the time. I was very nervous, scared to death that I might drop her. I told you that I would make you a deal, if you would just watch me and make sure I did everything right, that when I got her out of the bath and on the bed where she would be safe, you could help me dry her off and get her dressed, you said ok Auntie. I was sure glad you cooperated, you probably felt sorrow for me and said ok I’ll give her a break. Your mother trusted me more than I trusted myself. It had been years since I had taken care of a little one and on my god now I got two. We survied, although that bath thing became wash offs for both of you from then on. I love your mother for trusting me to care for you and Kyrah. I Love You Auntie
Yuvonne, i trust you with my life so naturally i would trust you caring for my kids. You took care of me when i was a baby 😀 i love you
Marcus, I have a picture of you and Byron, he was 2 and you were 15mos. old. I look at it and say to myself, this is so unreal. How could this possibly be true, it just dosn’t make any sense, not now not ever. Too mothers having buried their sons, nothing about this makes sense, I just don’t understand. I know you and Bryon are together again, you guys take care of each other and we will all do the same. Love You Auntie
You’re right Yuvonne, it’s sad Shirley & I had to bury our first born children but, we’ll all be ok as long as we hold onto each other….I love you
Marcus, for the past week Kenneth has been with me, he surprised me I was so happy to see him. We talked about you a lot, how much we love and miss you. We shared our sorrow, tears and memories, but none of that made it any easier to face the reality of us losing you. We will always miss you and will always want to know the truth about your death. We all continue to draw strength from each other, some loved ones haven’t been able to express their feelings yet, I wouldn’t want to be in the line of fire when they do. You continue to stay close and we will continue to fight for you. I Love You Auntie
Yuvonne, part of all our hearts have been shattered & will NEVER be the same. I love you
They’re going to open up soon & you’re correct, I wouldn’t want to be in their line of fire. Marc was loved dearly by us & his friends & our hearts have been broken beyond repair. Oh we’re continuing to live our daily lives but, the pain of learning to live without him hurts. We’ll find out what happened to him then, hopefully it’ll be a little more bareable….I love you
I love you Marc
Marc, it’s pitiful that all your Sister wanted was her Grandfathers’ watch that she took off her arm because you asked to wear it & she still hasn’t gotten it. This is after the picture was sent of it & said she’d mail it to her smh. I guess THATS A LIE TOO!!!!!!!! Pure evil & people need to realize THEY’RE GOING TO REAP WHAT THEY’VE SOWN!!!!!!!! Smh it’s a trip. I love you… Momma
Have a good life Royce. I’m not going back and forward with you. I have said my peace and I’m done.
Levar, you have a good life too. You wrote, I answered… so I haven’t gone back & forth with anyone, — which seems strange that people have OBVIOUSLY missed. I’ll be done when i find out what happened to Marc.
After sleeping on this reply, I want to add this, I’ve had many conversations with YOU so I know the terminologies YOU use. When you’re done talking to me through others’ profiles & emails, feel free to call me. Unlike yours, my number hasn’t changed
Royce we need all of this to stop!!! You dragging my family through the mud. We are not those type of people. You say you want answers, but what you fell to realize is the simple fact of why your getting this treatment. This website for example is one.
You came to Opelousas the day after with ill intentions. You came to Opelousas with the thought that my family had something to do with Marcus death. Your first intentions was to take his body and when you where met with resistance. You went back to Houston with this story. We didn’t do anything to that boy, but love him. He chose to take his life.
The thing is that you knew this in advanced and spoke to him that week. To fill the holes in your “STORY”. Astrea told you that her and Marcus was texting and talking through out that evening while she was at work. The final conversation they had is when he took his life. Could you imagine that!!! Hearing someone take there life!!! Then the horror my mom and dad had to go through, finding him like that!!! Then after that having to tell the kids their father is no longer with us. I got there that night. Seeing the house wrapped in yellow tape. My family in shock and crying. The coroner loading his body and the reaction of my family.
The thing that hurt me the most that night was looking into the eyes of my 16yr old nephew and seeing the look of WHY and not having an answer. Walked in the house seeing my sister and her two other babies holding each other and crying, wondering WHY. You came there the next day and was met with love and sympathy for your lost. You left with a heavy heart because you couldn’t get your way.
Back to the truth- Yes we did burn the matress, after the investigation of a clear cut case of suicide. Who keeps a bloody matress. Yes we did clear the house, after the landlord said they where behind on rent and wanted them out. As far as the bullet wound, He put the gun in his mouth and shot himself.
All we where told is that it was a small caliber bullet that ruptured a main artery. If there was an exit wound it would be in the back of his neck or head. Honestly we don’t know because we didn’t about the exit wound. The thing is royce you lying to these people and saying you haven’t received anything. You received documentation from the police department. The issue is that you don’t want to believe it.
Why should my family continue suffering from what he did and get further more abuse from his mother. Royce if you have stayed you would have had more understanding. If You would have talk to those boys who was with him that night before, you would have more understanding. You would have seen how we fought hard to get him laid to rest.
Astrea and my family went through pure hell that week, but ALL GLORY TO GOD we got though. If you would have been there you would have seen how though literally a storm we got Astrea and the kids out that house and Marcus buried. Yes she did change her numbers, because ever since that day she has been getting random rude and unnecessary text and calls. Why should she continue to suffer for what he did? Royce I’m not going to lie to you we still got love for you, but the answers your looking for left with Marcus.
Levar, let me begin by saying I’m 57 yrs old, since when did the Ms. get dropped before my first name? Well, that’s neither here nor there. Exactly what is it that needs to stop, me wanting to find out what happened to my son? I’ve not dragged anyone through the mud & exactly what type of people are you speaking of? Repeat to yourself what you wrote, the reason I’m getting this type of treatment, I’d just lost my son, tell me, what type of treatment should I receive???
I didn’t go to Opelousas with any intention other than getting to Marcs’ widow (Astrea) & my Grandchildren to hug, love and take care of them as much as I could. Why would I think your family had anything to do with his death?
Of course I wanted to bring him home to Texas, after all it’s where he was born. You say I was met with resistance, ask yourself WHY? I asked your sister if i could bring him home when sitting in the room talking to her & she gave no indication of it being a problem. She looked at me but, how was I to know that by just looking at me (with no verbal response), meant she had a problem with it? After being there for 24 hours & Dave, (my fiancee’) leaving, is when her outburst of crying occurred. You wouldn’t know this because you took the kids & went to church (you weren’t there). As a matter of fact, she called me at the hotel that morning because she thought everyone was going to church & leaving her alone. I told her I’d be right there. Does that sound like someone with ill intentions?
After Dave left & I was there alone with only her family and that’s when the tide turned. I even said to your parents, “let’s let everyone visit & when they leave she & I can talk.” Sitting at the table , I hear your Mother talking to her again & I said, “Mary, I thought we agreed to let everyone leave first?” To that she replied, “Well Astrea has made her decision & wants Marcus here.” I then said, “that’s fine.”
Number 1, nobody bothered calling me before going to the funeral home Saturday to ask if I could be there to go also. That like I told Astrea, that should have been something she, his wife & I, his Mother did together with her at the helm & with at least a little input from me, not her Step-Mother.
I’m not 5 yrs old & left mad, as you said, because I didn’t get my way. I wasn’t going to engage in a tug of war over Marcs’ body, nor did I come back to Houston with this story. I knew nothing in advance except what Astrea told me.
Since you say I knew about this, when Astrea called me, I told her to put Marc on the phone & while I was talking to him about what she said, he said, Marcus and I were having two different conversations because, he was talking about what he did & how wrong it was (he never told me anything that Astrea said “he said.”)
Now, let me fill in THE HOLES you obviously know nothing about. Astrea told me on January 4th when I answered the phone, that she thought Marc had done something to himself because, they were texting & now he won’t answer. I’ll NEVER forget what I was told. No, I can’t imagine hearing someone take their life, I also can’t imagine being coherent enough to drive afterwards. Also, if that’s what she heard, why did she let me put her on hold & try calling him when she knew he wouldn’t answer? Also, according to your Mother, it wasn’t horrible at all because, that’s exactly the word I used when asking how it was when she found him.
I’m sure your nephew had the look of WHY in his eyes since, in his own words to me, he said he & his Daddy played a game before he left home that morning & he was happy. I’m sure the other two were just as bewildered & hurt.
Yes, we’re all aware of the burning of the mattress yet, where’s the investigation of a clear cut suicide? It takes longer than 3 hours & since I was called at 6:17p. & her cousin text’d me at 9:30pm telling me they had just left with Marcs’ body, how was that a THOROUGH investigation?
Mr. Page, the landlord didn’t want them out because, I spoke with his niece, Janet & she said she was out of town when told what happened & made it back in time to pass by & she saw people removing things from the house & the mattress on the back of the truck. She said she waited a week before contacting Astrea out of respect & then when she did call her, it was to ask her intentions for the house, like, if she would continue living there since it was her understanding as of late, Marc was living there ALONE.
Now, yes, let’s address this bullet wound. I keep hearing about a small caliber weapon, once I heard 22 but, Marcs’ 22 as I was told is a rifle, then it was 32 which I thought your sister owned a 38. Since the coroner himself told me he never saw Marc & no autopsy was performed, what medical professional told you all it ruptured a main artery? People continuously refer to an exit wound, well how about an entrance wound? How very strange if the exit wound is in the back of his neck or head, the District Attorney sent a letter stating THERE WAS NO EXIT WOUND! Plus speaking with an agent at the F.B.I., I was told unless it was a BB gun & even then there would be evidence.
I’m not the one who’s told one lie, as for police documentation that I asked for & was repeatedly told Astrea didn’t want it released, after 4 mos I received a report full of misspelled words, times that don’t match up & in the person making the reports’ own words, “Astrea said he shot himself”, that’s not something as a police officer he should’ve been making his own determinations. Hmmmmmmm notice the common denominator, “WHAT ASTREA SAID.”
I don’t have an issue believing if it was by Marcs’ own hands & even if I did, I’m his Mother but, tell me why is it nobody else believes it? Are they also in denial too?
As far as your family suffering (as you put it), if they are, it’s rightly so, because everybody else is too. You did say you “loved him” right? However, if you’re suffering because of me, it’s of your own choosing, I haven’t done anything but ask, “what happened to my child?” If you define that as suffering then, so am I & have been since January 4, 2013. You say if I would’ve stayed I’d have more understanding but, why would I stay when I’d already deemed I was in hostile territory and alone?
And tell me, what boys should I have talked to since I was never told about, any boys? That hell you all went through was self imposed because nobody included me in any of the conversations, arrangements or anything else for that matter. You don’t know what I, my family, Marc’s friends & my friends were prepared to do… because you never asked and I was never given the opportunity to to say it.
As far as rude & unnecessary calls, ditto (I’ve received a few myself.) And you said: “Suffering for what he did to himself?” As far as I’m concerned, that has not been determined yet.
This is my opinion (however, I’ve been show how much my opinion is worth — nothing)… anyway, I would think that when a spouse loses their spouse (soul-mate) without warning, it is normally a time of grieving than defined as suffering, & I’ve seen neither.
Levar, last but not least, you said that “your family still loves me”… and for some reason, you say that as though its a badge of honor or a star or grade in school as though I need it. My understanding of love as God says, “love bares all things!” Even if (and I’m not) I was all those things you said I am… what happened to:
As for the answers you said left with Marc, I believe they’re still here on Earth & either way, I’m going to find out.
I am Marcus A. Merritt, Sr.’s mother. I gave birth to him. No one could have possibly EVER loved him more than me.
Marc, how ironic life is. Only a broken heart would stop beating exactly six months & one day after yours did :\'( Byrons’ heart had to be beyond repair. You were his little playmate, his brother/cousin & he just couldn’t go on another day. That’s enough to rip my own heart out not knowing the pain he must’ve been in. It’s ok now because, he’s happy again with you. All of our hearts are broken doubly now losing you both so soon, so unexpectedly so close. We love you both dearly& will miss you til the day we\’re back together. Hold each other close & we won’t forget either of you… Momma/Aunt Royce
Marc, the online world is beginning to know your name, hopefully soon the entire world will!!!!!! All I’ve said from the start is, I want to know truthfully what happened to you & why. Parents are burying their children far too frequently now & its totally against nature. Its sad enough but, not knowing why is terrible. I don’t plan on going the rest of my life with that question unanswered & thankfully those I know truthfully& love don’t plan on it either. There are those behind the scenes working tirelessly to get answers & it’s become as important to them as it is to me. You’re loved Marc far more than you imagined & by people you never met.. We won’t give up… Momma
No Yuvonne God sure doesn’t & the truth will be revealed. I love you
You can shoot an unarmed kid & be found not guilty in America smh. Hmmmm not surprised, a person can. Supposedly commit suicide in Leonville Louisiana & none of the authorities starting with the chief of police will discuss it!!!!!!! Sad world we live in
Marcus, everything that we are aware of surrounding your death don’t make sense. You know when you tell the TRUTH you don’t need a good memory. There have been more stories from that direction than an Octopus has tentacles. I believe deeply that we will get to TRUTH, because God don’t like ugly. LOVE YOU AUNTIE
Marcus, my heart breaks for your mother, she has endured so much pain in her life, the biggest of all is losing you. God must love her very much because he keeps giving her the strength to endure and she shares it with others. I know tomorrow is going to be hard, so you keep your arms warpped around he real tight. I love you and stay close. Love Auntie
I felt him holding me & it helped me make it through
Marc, tomorrow will be very difficult. How do I say goodbye to someone else I love. Byron was my baby before you were even thought of. I told Nikki yesterday I’ll always remember how gentle he was. Gentle giant is how she described him & he was. I know it broke his heart losing you as it has us all but, now you’re together again. I know you two will take care of each other, its how things always were. Brothers/Cousins, the Merritt boys. I love you both… Momma
Marcus, l think of you daily, today I am remembering when you came with Grandmother to California for Kenneths’ graduation, you were two years old. I was so excited, when Kenneths’ name was called I grabbed you and we danced down the ilse. Then we went to the church for service and when it was time for communion I stood up, Grandmother said, Yuvonne l don’t think we are supposed to take communion because we are not Catholic. I was excited once again I grabbed you and off we went to the alter, Grandmother bless her heart followed. I don’t know why I would always take you with me, I guess it was because, I just wanted you with me, also maybe it was a little bit of if you were with me, I wouldn’t get into trouble. Shame on me!!!!!!!!!. Teaching you mischief. You loved it !!!!!!!!!!!!! And I loved you. I will share some more memories with you later, by sharing these memories it makes me feel closer to you. I Love You Auntie
Precious memories. I love you
Marc, how sad it is knowing when you were alive you couldn’t reconnect with old friends on Facebook because of petty insecurities & jealously smh. Every friend request or message you received was questioned, even I got calls about them. How strange life is & how quickly people will show you who they really are. Then have the gall to be angry saying Im putting lies on the internet. Well just like your Auntie said, THEY’RE NOT MY LIES BECAUSE I WAS ON THE TELEPHONE BEING TOLD EXACT WHAT WAS WROTE IN THE “STORY” I WASN’T THERE! Yep some thought I would come home& end up in the hospital, WRONG! Im going to find out what happened to my child & that’s that. I love you… Momma
Marc, I hope this is resolved soon. Hopefully whatever is being hidden is worth losing what’s precious to them, I’ve lost something irreplaceable to me, YOU. God is watching all & soon He’ll step in to reveal what we’ve wanted to know. Im being as patient as possible. I love you & we all miss you & now it seems Byron has died of a broken heart. That only adds to our hurt. Don’t worry, IM NOT BACKING OFF!!!!!! I love you… Momma
I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Momma
Marc, I wonder when Byron saw you did he call you Fat Daddy? It was shocking to get that news yesterday. We\’ll never know what losing you did to him but, I know it broke his heart. Exactly 6 mos nd& 1 day later, he joined you. How very sad. Now we\’ll miss both of you until we see yall again. Take care of each other as you’ve always done. I love you both11 Momma
Marc, as I watched fireworks in the sky, with tears streaming down my face, it brought back memories of past ones. Popping firecrackers, laughing, running from you as you had battles with others so I wouldn’t get caught in the middle. Y’all would toss them at each other & I would say that’s dangerous you can get hurt. There was no telling you that because it was fun for y’all nutty kids. I wondered what your kids did today because you always bought lots of fireworks for them. I miss their little faces & the hugs & wet kisses. Hopefully I’ll see them again some day, they’re what I have left of you. Anthony text me Happy Fourth of July. He’s so sweet & I love him dearly. It’s as if he knows when Im missing you because, he’ll text me. You’d be proud of him. Atticus’ got to see fireworks for the first time & was clapping. He’s such a happy baby. He reminds me of you a lot. Well, I guess I’ll go to bed. I love you… Momma
Marcus, I read your mothers comments and I can feel her pain along with my own. I can only imagine the depth of her pain, this is the kind of hurt that goes to the soul. The strength she is showing is carrying me too. I Love You and your Mother too. Auntie
Yuvonne, it does hurt terribly but, its a pain we all share because of our love for Marc. Thank you for being here for me but, I know you wouldn’t have been anywhere else. I love you. Happy 4th of July Marc. I love you very much… Momma
Marc, its been 6 mos since I last saw your face. At times I didn’t think I’d survive but, I have. We’re still searching for the truth & hopefully soon it’ll be revealed. God knows & He’s going to make sure we do too. He also knows I WON’T REST UNTIL WE DO!!!!!!! You’re supposed to be here with all those who truly love you & I’ll find out why that was taken away. Your nephew deserved to be held by you many times & to grow up knowing his Uncle Marcus along with his cousins ( your kids) & that was ripped away from him. Soon baby soon. I love you… Momma
Marcus, I am sure about now you are asking yourself who are these people that are harassing my mother? Surely not the people in the same family that you were a part of for the past 10 years or more and the same people that are looking your children in the face every day. Sometime RESPECT is not easily given, some might have to refer to Webster for the definition and with practice they might learn the art of implementing RESPECT. What are these individuals trying to hide and/or prove? Your mother hasn’t done anything except lose You. As a result she has been treated as the enemy, Why, Why, Why? If your mother asking questions is a bother, Why? She has every right, just by the sheer definition of SHE IS YOUR MOTHER. I Love You Dearly, Auntie
Yuvonne, there are plenty words they need to look up the definition of & TRUTH is the MAIN ONE!!!!!!!!! Their level of respect or lack thereof bothers me in the least but, truth is something nobody escapes for long. It only goes to show the upbringing they’ve had hmmmmmm . As I’ve stated before, I don’t care one iota about anything they do or try doing. This is about WHAT HAPPENED TO MARCUS ANTHONY MERRITT & somebody is going to answer that.
I find it odd that people feel I shouldn’t question what happened to you Marc. Well, let something happen to any of these same peoples’ kids who are giving me so much hell & let’s see how they’ll react. Will they be so easily convinced by SOMEBODY ELSES’ word or will they behave like a true parent & not rest until they find out the truth smh. I shudder to think what they’d do. As far as Im concerned I don’t care. You & Kyrah were given to me to love & protect, I wasn’t there January 4th to do that but make NO MISTAKE I’LL FIND OUT WHY YOU MAY HAVE NEEDED MY PROTECTION TO BEGIN WITH!!!!!!! I always told you if ANYONE did something to either of you & it wasn’t justified, I would find out the reason& Marc I MEANT THAT!!!!!!!!! Now, I don’t proclaim to be any more than I am & what that is is YOUR MOMMA. Whomever is now trying to be protected, hopefully they’re worth the consequences that may be suffered. God said, let your enemies be your footstool& I believe in His word so, I’ll walk on or over whomever I need to until I discover the truth. Make no mistake about that… I love you… MOMMA
Recognize the darts of the enemy. Why? Cause he’s the only one who wants you mad. Keep the main thing, the main thing and put the trash out where it belongs… in the trash. Royce, you have support too! How bout that?
Thank you Regina & the trash is out!!!!!! Now what I want is for it to leave me alone because despite what is believed IM NOT ALONE neither without family nor friends but LEGALLY also. So its in peoples’ best interest to take it to heart when i say, I MEAN STOP BOTHERING ME !!!!!!!!!!
This is insane & IM TIRED OF IT!!!!!! I get texts from anybody but the person who should text me, YOUR WIFE. Now I haven’t bothered anybody & since I know they’re monitoring this site, they need to leave me alone. Why not open her mouth & say something if there’s a problem instead of her sister textin me. WTH is wrong with these people. Yes today I went to a different level because Im TIRED OF BEING MESSED WITH!!!!!! CEASE & DESIST & STOP BOTHERING ME !!!!!!!! That’s not a threat that’s what I mean!!!!!!! Harassment is against the law & all I did was bury my son& all this started. Now it needs to quit..
Marcus, I can’t understand what is driving all of the negative actions against your mother. It seems that because she has qurstions about your death she has been targeted with mean spirited actions, such as being accused of lying, being told she is bothering people, the police not cooperating the corner and the DA being very insensitive, separation from your kids and now phone numbers being changed so she can’t even call or text them. I wonder what all of this is doing to those babies, they have lost their Daddy, their Granna, their Nana and all other ties to you, that is huge. It would be nice if love for the children and their needs would take priority over any and all negative actions. A few weeks ago I was watching the news and there was a death row inmate found deceased in his cell, the very next statement was that there will be an autopsy to determine the cause of death. I asked myself, why wasn’t there enough care and concern to have done that for you. Your mother has done nothing to deserve how she is being treated, perhaps the thoughts are if enough hate is tossed her way, she will back off the questions, thats not going to happen. I want you to know that she is not in this fight alone. I question these actions and ask myself what are the people in Louisiana running from. You know there is no blindness worse than those that refuse to see. I know if it was within your power, you would put a stop to all of the madness. Your mothers goal is getting to the truth and hopefully the truth will bring all of us PEACE. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!! AUNTIE
Yuvonne, I have no idea what the problem is but, none of it will work. What people don’t understand is they’re only tightening the noose around their OWN NECK so, keep doing what they’re doing. Not only are others observing but, SO IS GOD!!!!!!!! I love you
You know, it’s awfully sad when a parent has to bury their child & not truly know why & then have to deal with inconsiderate, spiteful, mean spirited people like I’ve had to do. The level of disrespect by some people surprised me & my level of restraint shocked me. The way some have acted I could have stooped to their level but decided to be the bigger person. None of those tactics will deter my MAIN FOCUS, YOU!!!!!! It’s somewhat disturbing that nobody has stepped in & asked what her problem is. What has his Mother done besides lose her son. This is the same person I talked to nightly as she drove home, put bottles of lotion to the phone while in Bath & Body Works for her to smell, tell each other about new cleaning products but, now that i think about it, no she isn’t the same person at all. I don’t know this one & obviously neither did you. I have no idea what they’re trying to accomplish but, if anybody thinks it’ll stop me, THEY’RE WRONG!!!!! I told Regina if i draw my last breath, she is to continuesearching for the truth. Don’t worry Marc, I have no plans to quit breathing anytime soon. Well it’s Friday again but, it doesn’t hurt as much. I love you…. Momma
Marc, another blow has been dealt!!!! I thought about sending Bry a text & when it took so long to answer I called him. Well to my surprise the number which belonged to you had been changed. So I asked Steph to dial Astreas’ number & so was hers. Now I have no way to contact my Grandkids. All this being piled on me for no apparent reason!!!!! From January 4th NOTHING HAS MADE SENSE but, they can shoot their best shot because I WON’T STOP UNTIL I FIND OUT THE TRUTH OF WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!!!!!!!! I love u& miss you very much & I don’t want you to worry your Momma will be just fine & so will everybody else
You were so loved Marc and you always will be and the truth will come out dont even worry about it !
Awwww Steph i love you so much & you’re right it will come out.
well I came across this by accident and wow have the police ever screwed this investigation up there is a lot of unanswered questions like why was the mattress burned unless there is evidence to be covered up by the wife the coroner never seen the body has the police department been investigated for doing a lousy job and covering something up on this what happened to the gun hmmmm something here is awhole lot dirty on this murder case and what does the wife have to gain from this people give her head a shake the truth will come about and bite you ion the ars
So true Mike, thank you
Marc, I was going to surprise your Aunt Sammie today but, surprise on me because she must have been at work lol. I’ll try again but guess what, I FOUND THA RED TUPPERWARE ( inside joke) lol. I love you. Momma
Marcus, l have to add to what your mother says about your voice on your voice mail. I too am so glad she recorded your voice and she has shared that with me. After I hear you say ‘Marcus’ I imagine you saying ‘hey Auntie’. Your uncle Maurice said to say hi for him. He would always ask about you, he would say you talked to Marcus lately? If I said no and he felt too much time had passed, he would tell me, you better call him. He always wanted to know that you were ok. He ask all the time if we have gotten any news about what happened too, he like the rest of us wants to know the truth and he fully supports us in the fight for you. You know your uncle has his unique way of expressing himself and making his point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Nothing has changed. We love you Auntie & Uncle
Lol how well we know his Uncle Maurice 😉 i love u both
Marc, Im so glad i recorded your voice from your voice mail. As time passes one can hear the sound of their loved ones voice in their head but, would give anything to actually be able to hear it. When I start missing you really badly, I listen to you say, ” Marcus” you never recorded a full message but, at least I hear you say your name. Its very soothing & I NEVER want to forget how your voice sounded . I love you very much… Momma
We’ll see what this weeks holds. Good news I pray. I love you
I’ve been looking at your pictures Marc. I miss you so much. I think I’ll try to sleep now. I love you… Momma
Marc, today was a good day 😀 i love you with my whole heart & miss you terribly… Momma
Awwwww Yuvonne, don’t cry & we’re going to be ok. Marc knew without a shadow of a doubt how much he was loved by us, even when he & I were upset with each other I told him, ” I love you & there’s nothing you can EVER do to change that so, bring it lol.” It doesn’t bother me what people say or do because as I always say, people talked about Jesus & He was perfect 🙂 You’re absolutely right though, some will HAVE to answer to God & the way some have behaved, no way would I want to face Him knowing that. What amazes me is, God turns away from sin & mean, evil spirited people so, it’s a waste of their time marching up to the church doors on Sunday smh. Big Sister, do what I’ve had to learn to do in these past few months, love those who love you & FORGET THOSE WHO PRETEND TO BUT CAN’T POSSIBLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you & I mean that <3
Marcus, I got a few things off my chest yesterday, I tried to keep my cool. Beleive me it was hard, I wanted to scream and cuss from the tallest point I could get to, but I tired to maintain my dignity. All those that are bad mouthing your mother will have a lot to answer for to a much higher power than me. Everyone that knows you knows how you loved your mother and to dis-honor her is dis-honoring you and I take that personally. I promise you that as long as breath is in my body I will be there for your mother. When she hurts I hurt. We both know that your spirit is with us and we can feel it. You stay with us because you know that we love you and we always will. I miss you, nobody can say auntie like you could, when you said it I always felt so much love from you and I miss that. Well I am going to go and have a good cry now. Lots and Lots of Love Auntie
Marc, Im your voice now!!!!!!! Thats right baby keep moving higher so the world will know your story & never forget your name. I love you with my whole heart… Momma
I love you Marcus Anthony Merritt!!!!!!!! Until the end of time & beyond
Thank you Leola. Thank you Leola. You’re absolutely right, all this pain is uncalled for. I lost Marc & my Grandchildren WHY!!!!!!! I’ve done nothing wrong, any parent who loves their child would want to know why they’re not breathing any longer. Behind no fear, we’re going to find that out. I have no idea why so much pain & evil has been heaped on me but, God doesn’t sleep nor slumber & He’s watching. So all these make believe Christians will be made believers.
I’ve done nothing to nobody but want to know what happened to Marc & as long as i have breath in me I plan to find out. Now any parent who loves their child would want to know why they’re not breathing any longer & if nobody can understand that its their problem not mine. Again thank you, I love you.
Royce, I want you and all that read this to know that the investigation is on and the answers will be revealed. All glory to God our Father for the truth will set us all free. I love you a bunch. I know you have suffered an indignation that no Mother should ever have to suffer. It was hard enough to have to endure the loss of your only Son. Then to be estranged from your beloved Grand-Children too. That is just pain being heaped on you for no cause!! It’s not fair to you or the rest of Marcus’ Family to be without those sweet faces in your life. You should be able to pick up the phone and talk to those babies and hear how much they miss their Daddy and loved him. The ones that are keeping them from you could possibly know what happened to Marcus too. The trouble is that NO ONE IS BEING GIVEN ANY ANSWERS!!! No one is talking!! So, we are all left to what we can imagine happened to Marcus. That’s not right. Would anybody please tell me how that could be right? My tears have fallen so much for you and Sabina lately. I cannot imagine how much pain you two are in. This pain and no answers is the ‘very justified’ cause of your’s and other’s anger. May God continue to bless you and help the investigator reach the TRUTH. Your Friend, Leola.
Marc, your Mother & I will continue trying to find out the answers to our questions we won’t stop
For the record, I lost my son along with my Grandchildren & only God knows why to both. Your wife stopped talking to me & I didn’t do anything to her. I treated her with the same love & respect I always have. I’ve been called the devils’ advocate, the enemy accused of not knowing God & why because I want to know what happened to you smh. Its sad but, people talked about Jesus & I most certainly don’t measure up to Him. I plan to get answers so it doesn’t matter one iota what’s said about me . Im your Momma & that’s the bottom line. I love you
Marc, Im tired of hearing that I’ve put lies on the internet!!!! If they’re lies THEY AREN’T MINE!!!!!! What’s in this article aren’t my words but, the ones told to me by the people who were there at your untimely passing. All i did was put it in writing so, if there’s a problem they need to check themselves!!!!!!!
Marcus, Happy Father’s Day, I know your babies miss you as much as I do. I look at the picture’s of you and them and I can see the love you have for each other. The connection you made with them will always be there. With Gods help, your mother will tell them about you also and I will add my 2 cents worth. I Love You Auntie.
Yuvonne, we’ll all tell them about their Daddy, if given the chance. I love you
Yuvonne, you’re not alone in your anger. I could bite bricks at all I’ve had to go through. It seems nobody cares but, hey WE DO!!!!!!! So far, the police department, coroners’ office & everybody else has gone by what Astrea said without so much as making sure of the facts. I mean REALLY, is that how its handled there. Kind of makes it easy to do something I feel. Prayers should be going up that its found out this was your choice & somebody else didn’t make it for you. God knows I WON’T REST UNTIL I KNOW IT ALL!!!!!!!! I love you Marc… Momma
Marc, this entire situation is soooo sad & it seems there’s no end to it. Derrick went to Louisiana because Astrea told him he could come get your things so we would have something that belonged to you. Well that was a blank trip, he gets there & finds NONE OF YOUR BELONGINGS!!!!!!!! I don’t know what’s wrong with her. Nothing makes sense anymore but, God willing it will. When he told me that, I felt you were taken away again. Just to be able to touch something of yours would be a comfort. None of us has done anything to her to make her treat us this way. Nothing she does surprises me anymore sadly. Its all fine because what’s done in the wash comes out in the rinse. I love you baby… Momma
Marcus, I am so mad I could scream. How could the police be so dog gone that they can let this crazy story be told to your mother as fact. What a bunch of crazy stuff!. There is so much anger and hurt inside of me I just don’t know what to do with it all. Every time I think I can’t cry anymore, I cry and it’s hard to stop. This is all so unreal, I will never be able to explain or understand why the police were so careless or just didn’t care enough not to do everything possible to verify what really happened. The police didn’t stand up for you but we sure will. I Love You AUNTIE
Marcus, I miss you and I always will. I went to California last weekend, everyone that knows about you wanted to know if we had any additional information about what happened to you. I told them no, but we are not giving up on finding the answers. Everyone thinks the story we’ve been told is so full of holes, how in the world could it be believed. Your cousins and so many friends send their love and support for your mother to keep up the fight. Your mother knows I am with her and I always will be. We all love you and we all want to know what really happened to you. We will keep up the fight. Love you Auntie.
Marc, Im sure plenty people have read this now, we just need the RIGHT one to read it!!!!!! This makes no sense yet but, in time God will reveal all & it will. Sometimes I look in the mirror & it seems the joy is gone from my eyes. Sure i smile & laugh but, I can see a difference. That’s sad & I can’t fathom you taking the joy from my eyes. The other night I felt I couldn’t go on any longer, that’s why I HAVE to know if this was your choice!!!!!! If it was, I’ll try & understand, if not, THERE WILL BE NO UNDERSTANDING ON MY PART!!!!!
None of this makes sense yet& Astrea, yes i finally said it, has changed beyond measure. I wonder why because, supposedly you took your own life smdh!!!!! That fact in itself makes everybody wonder. Oh well, it’ll come out & for all concerned it better have happened just like we’ve been told!!!!!! I love you…. Momma
You couldn’t be here for Anthony but, don’t worry I’ll be here in your place. I love you. Momma
Last night I had a rough time!!!! I miss you & I love you. Momma
Marc, life is so strange. My friend also lost her son. We’ve been friends over 30yrs. He was a firefighter & the roof collapsed while they were battling a fire. It’s very sad & so against nature for a parent to bury their child. Remember the Bible i gave you inside the wooden box, his Mother gave that to me. It’s kind of taken things off my mind a little because I’ve been consoling her. We both love our sons & life her changed drastically for us. I love you very much & i won’t stop until i find out without a shadow of a doubt that this was your choice!!!!!! Your Momma
I love you Yuvonne!!!!!! Don’t worry we’ll find out one way or another
Marcus, I never thought that I would lose a loved one and have to live in a nightmare at the same time. The police didn’t show up for you, yes they came to the scene, but rather than doing a proper investigation it appears they made their report on what they were told not on what they saw and verified as fact. If an autopsy had been done all questions could have been answered. I wonder if they had lost a love one in a manner other than natural causes, if hear say rather than facts would be good enough for them. Your mother, sister, the rest of the family and friends deserve better. You know your Mother will fight for you and she has a lot of support. Everyone that reads about you, ask the same question, what really happened to you? There are to many questions and to few answers. You can trust we will find out, all we want is verified facts. I love you very much Auntie
Leola, i always told my kids I’ll fight for them no matter what. If something happened to one of them & it’s not warranted, I’ll go to the ends of the world to find out why. That’s exactly what i plan to do. Somebody will tell me the truth & if it’s by his own hands i can live with that, if not, I WON’T LET WHOMEVER IS RESPONSIBLE LIVE A FREE LIFE!!!!!!! They were given to me to love u& protect them & if Marc needed my protection that day & i wasn’t there, he need not worry because, I’ll find out why he needed me in the first place. I love you
Royce, I am so sure that Marc is comforted that you are doing what you can to resolve the mystery of his death. The things that happened after he died were just too strange to imagine. I mean, it left so many questions with no answers at all. Where is the law in this story. AWOL. (Absent with out leave!!) They should still be busy today working this case. Instead they just closed the case and closed his casket and buried them both. I am not accusing anyone. I just want them to do their job and do it right so the rest can come for your mind. You so deserve that. You’ve been a great Mother to your two kids. God knows this and so do I. I know how wearing this has been on you.
I know there are days when you probably just want to quit and go to bed. You’ve promised Marc that you won’t stop. I believe you won’t either. I am praying now that God gives you the strength to carry on and gives you the peace you so richly deserve in the end. Your Friend, ~Leola~
Marc, this is surreal!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s how your Auntie & I describe it. If it weren’t for the love & prayers of many people, I think i would’ve been in the hospital. Regina,( a dear friend) hadn’t seen you since you were a little boy, she’s been a constant through all this. Kyrah keeps a lot inside, I see the hurt in her eyes & it breaks my heart. Ryan takes really good care of her & Atticus. Your nephew is growing & he looks like you & his Momma 🙂 Some days he looks exactly like you, that brings both tears & a smile. You only got to see him once but, I tell him about his Uncle Marc. He’ll know you through pictures & stories we tell him. Anthony’s doing good, we spent his birthday with him which I was happy about. Meshal has stuck close by me, she’s been devastated as we all have. Some days it’s been very hard for her & I tell her to remember the good times. Marc, it’s like I come here to talk to you & that gives some comfort. God knows I wish I could call & you’d answer. I never thought I could live if I lost one of you but, I did & there’s a reason why!!!! I asked Regina what was my purpose in life & she told me she doesn’t know. To me my purpose was being you & your sisters’ Momma, doing my best to protect you both, & now the most important role is, getting to the bottom of what happened January 4th, 2013!!!!!!!!!! I believe it’s why God has given me the burning desire to go on & I WON’T STOP!!!!! I love you, Marc……. Momma
Marc, I know you are happy your Auntie & I are talking again, it was all you kept saying to me 🙂 I am happy about tilt also. Aunt Sammie checks on me too. We miss you so very much & this is surreal to us but, hopefully in time it will make sense. It won’t ever diminish the hurt we feel because you are no longer here which makes NO sense what so ever but, we will be able to rest a little easier knowing what truly happened. I love you more than there are stars in the sky & always will…. Momma
Marcus, I know your spirit is with me, I wish you could tell me what really happened to you. Your Mother is working hard to get the answers and I support her 200 % and then some. We cry together and we laugh together. Hardly a day goes by that we dont talk and/or text several times a day. The other day she said to me, you know there is a law against stalking, we had a huge laugh. I love your mother always have, always will. God is giving us the strength to continue to search for the truth about what happened to you. I know you wont REST until we know the truth and neither will we. I Love You, Auntie.
I love you Yuvonne!!!!!!! 😀 my big Sister
Marc, how shocked & saddened this must make you seeing the change that’s happened. I no longer talk to nor see your kids who live in Louisiana, the disrespectful way some people have spoken to me & other countless things. None of that will deter me finding out the truth which is, WHAT, WHY & HOW HAPPENED TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! God & the prayers of many continue carrying me through & I’m thankful for that. I miss you & love you always…… Momma
Dearest Royce…we haven’t seen you since you were a child and therefore never got to meet your son Marcus. Yuvonne has kept us abreast of your terrible dilemma with the authorities. We think someone needs to step up to the plate and put your broken heart to rest. We can only imagine how you must be suffering. May God bless you sweetie and may you find justice for Marcus.
Much love,
Gwenn, Junior and LaDonna
Thank you Gwen, Jr. & LaDonna, you’re right people need to step up & put my mind at ease. No parent should bury their child & not know why. I love you
Yuvonne, Marc KNEW how much you love him. Leola, thank you very much for your sincere, kind words. I love you both
There WILL be a way to the TRUTH and then you Momma can rest much easier. Marcus, you can trust that Dave is taking very good care of her. She loves him and he loves her too. I know you are still here in spirit with all who loved you so deeply. I am praying for some answers for your Momma and your Sister. Your little Nephew, Atticus, is growing so fast and looks so much like you it’s amazing. We were all very saddened that not too much was done by the officials to seek justice for you when this all happened. Your Mother is working tirelessly to achieve the justice you so richly deserve. Some of her friends are making donations to help. This Earth lost a Great Friend, Son, Brother, & Father when we all lost you.
I love you Leola & thank you
We survived the first birthday without you. It wasn’t easy but, God saw us through . Now on to finding out the truth!!!!! I love you
Marcus, Happy Birthday, I will let you use my line, 29 and holding, we are going to stay young for ever. My heart hurts because you are not here and I don’t understand that and I never will, but God is going to give me peace when we find out what happened to you. I Love You Auntie
Marc, today is your birthday & as i sit here with tears streaming down my face i remember the first time i looked into your face. My new baby, it was such an overwhelming , outpouring of love, i knew at that instant there was nothing in this world i wouldn’t do for you. I miss you more than anyone can imagine i& i love you as much today as i did then . Momma
Marcus, I think about you daily, so many memories, a lot of them makes me smile. I remember you visited me in California, you and I were in the car, there was someone blocking the street, I said a few choice words!!!!!!!!!. When you went back to Texas you were in the car with your momma and the same thing happened, someone was blocking the street, well you had a few choice words to say!!!!!!. Your momma said Marc don’t say things like that, where did you get that from, your answer was, auntie says that all the time. Well I was in trouble with your momma, again you were (4), boy you were something else at (4). I miss you so very much, and we will get to the truth. I love Auntie
Jenn, thank you. Yes its horrible nobody has been willing to help ease my mind about what happened to Marc but, God willing we’ll find out. I love all of you & miss being there daily. Tell my babies hi & Nanna loves them also
Nanna,
Just found this – this is contact information for the St. Landry Parish District 7 councilman, might be able to help?
https://www.voteguide.com/profile/alvin-j-stelly/#/info
Jenn, thank you
Nanna,
We are heartbroken for you and your family. I hope everyday that you will finally get answers. It is beyond belief that those who have information will not share it with you. Shame on them.
We love you and think of you every day.
Sincerely,
Bill, Jen, Poohty and Jack
Nanna, we are heartbroken for you and your family. I wish everyday that you will get answers. It is beyond belief that those that have the answers will not share them with you. Shame on them.
We love you.
Bill, Jen and your other 2 “sons”
Larah, thank you very much!!!!! Please continue praying for my family & me
The local police and the investigators need to get on their job. Too many holes in that story. What happened to the gun ? Was their powder burns on his fingers? Why was the mattress burned just from blood stains.Was anything moved or tampered with before the police came out and did their investigation.A full autopsy should have been administered.
Carolyn, thank u for ur comment. You’re asking the same questions we all are. I pray soon we’ll all know the answer. I love u
MS.ROYCE, I AM A FRIEND OF MS. JACKIE (meshal) COUSIN.I AM KEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY I KNOW THAT U ARE A CHRISTAN LADY AND YOU STAY PRAYED UP. GOD WILL BLESS YOU JUST CONTINUE TO PRAY. FROM LARAH SMILEY MCCAN
This is his barber from Houston Texas I was his barber for a long time and I know he wouldn’t do something like that I love u bro we miss you .what happen in the dark will come to the light god was watching he know what happen god bless your mama and sister to be strong god love you and I love u
Thank you Geno. I love you
Marc, I regret not being able to know you longer but am thankful in knowing you PERIOD!!!! I along with your Mother will not rest until we know what happened to you. I will always remember our talk &how much you told me you love your Mother. Don’t worry I’ll take good care of her just as I told you I would. We miss & love you
Marcus is my big brother and to get to the bottom of the story is the only thing we want. Is closure too much to ask for???? Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my brother and knowing him that fabricated story was not a part of his character at all! So justice is what we need………RIP big bro love ya
Thank all of you for your kind, loving words. Each one of you meant something to Marc & he loved you. Dont worry we’ll find out the truth. I love you all
Kris, he loved you very much & so do I
Marcus, when you were 4 years old, I told you I loved you, you said I know it. I asked you how did you know.
Your answer was because I tell you all the time. Well once again and always I love you. My heart breaks
Knowing I will never see your face again or hear that deep voice say hey Auntie. With Gods blessings we
Will find out the truth about what really happened to you.
I Love You Auntie
I love u big sister
I am just so overwhelmed by this young man’s death. It makes me cry sometimes when I least expect it. I remember him and his little sister when they were children. Their Mother, Royce McGrady would bring them to the office we both worked at. We recently re-united as friends through FaceBook.
Her plea for JUSTICE FOR Marcus, is the only thing she is asking for. It’s only right that she receive the full story of what happened to her son. It needs to be investigated further and thoroughly so she can have peace in her heart. It’s not too much to ask. Please do what you can to help her even if it’s a small donation, it all counts.
Thank you Leola
There’s not a word in the English language to describe how much i miss you. Fridays & Saturdays are something i no longer look forward to. God has given me the strength to go on but, it’s my prayer i find out what happened to you. I love you Marc…. Momma