Michael Duerson’s family mourns, seeks answers

On the nook of East thirtieth Avenue and Lesley Avenue gathered a sea of individuals wearing purple, white and black, clutching balloons, basketballs and each other. These are the household and buddies of Michael Duerson III, wearing his favourite colours, holding a few of his favourite issues. 

Duerson III, 16, was fatally injured by gunfire at about 10 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2022 within the 5600 block of East thirtieth Avenue. Emergency medical personnel took him in vital situation to a hospital the place he died. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Division investigators have launched few particulars in regards to the capturing, however mentioned they imagine Duerson obtained a telephone name to fulfill somebody and that he possible knew the particular person. 

Duerson, or MJ as he was referred to as by his household, was a scholar at Ben Davis Excessive Faculty. He beloved to play sports activities, particularly basketball, and listening to music, mentioned his father, Michael Duerson Jr.

Duerson’s grandfather, Antonio Lanier, organized a prayer vigil and balloon launch to honor his daughter’s needs of remembering Duerson close to the place his grandson was killed. Many individuals gathered with Duerson’s household to recollect and honor his life.

“I do not need no person to have to face right here and undergo this,” mentioned Lanier, “I actually do not.”

Household and buddies gathered round Duerson’s memorial as many got here ahead to hope, to grieve and to ask for assist to resolve this case.

Duerson’s grandmother, Cynthia Lanier, was one of many many individuals to guide mourners in prayer. “This isn’t what must be gathering us collectively on Easter weekend,” she shouted. 

“MJ got here from household,” his grandmother mentioned, “a household that love one another, that maintain one another, he got here from a Christian household with a number of ministers and pastors in his household. MJ didn’t come from a nasty household. MJ didn’t deserve this. Belief me, justice shall be served.” 

Household and buddies of Duerson are pleading for anybody with details about his demise to come back ahead. 

“One of many causes we needed to have a prayer vigil and a balloon launch is as a result of we need to breathe life again into this. We do not need this to blow away within the wind,” his grandfather mentioned. “Everyone who sees this, I would like you to take a look at the harm on the dad and mom’ faces. We’re actual upset and we’d like assist. We want assist from this group, we do not want folks holding secrets and techniques as a result of we would not.” 

Anybody with details about the capturing on East thirtieth Avenue is requested to contact Detective Larry Craciunoiu at 317-327-3475 or at Larry.Craciunoiu@indy.gov. Nameless suggestions might be made by Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.