LeBron James asks for help in murder of childhood friend’s sister in Akron
James posted an appeal on social media to ask for help.
Basketball star and NBA champion LeBron James is pleading for help.
James is asking for the people of Akron, Ohio to help him find the person responsible for murdering his close friend, Brandon Weems‘ sister, Ericka Weems.
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Weems, 37, was found dead in her Hardesty Avenue residence in Akron from a gunshot wound to the head around 3 p.m. on Monday. Family members asked police to conduct a wellness check after they had not heard from her or been able to reach her, according to Cleveland.com.
James and Brandon Weems are childhood friends who played together on two of the three state high school championships James won at St. Vincent-St. Mary where James was one of the most publicized high school players in the country. Weems’ mother, Brenda Lewis Weems, was James’ godmother. James dedicated his first career playoff game to her after she died of cancer in 2006.
“AKRON OHIO!! My brother family need answers to why and by whom,” tweeted James. “My city I need y’all to go to work and find out who did this awful, shameful, disgusting thing to such a caring, loving angel!”
Weems received her master’s degree in teaching from Kent State University and owned a daycare in Columbus, Ohio, per Cleveland.com.
Brandon Weems joined the the Cleveland Cavaliers as a scout in 2015. The organization is offering their support in light of the tragedy.
“The entire Cavaliers organization was terribly saddened to learn about the recent tragic death of Brandon Weems’ sister Ericka,” said general manager Koby Altman in a statement on Wednesday. “Our hearts are heavy and filled with pain over this senseless act. We express our deepest condolences to Brandon, the entire Weems family, their loved ones, and the Akron community. We will be with Brandon throughout this extremely difficult time and will offer our assistance and resources to help find justice for Ericka.”
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Weems also posted on social media to pay tribute to his sister.
“To my beautiful sister, we were just talking about celebrating your birthday and now I can’t believe you are gone!! Taken from me, the family, and your friends way too soon,” Brandon Weems wrote on Instagram. “You were truly our moms child. You had such a kind heart and a warm soul. So open to care for, help and love whoever crossed your path. You recently just found your ‘glow’ and it looked amazing on you!! I was so proud of you and happy that you finally found peace and happiness in your life. Why would anyone want to do this to you?? I’m so angry, sad and heartbroken. My life will never be the same without you!! But I’m happy you and mom are back together! Watch over us from up there and I promise we got you down here!! Love you forever and always!!”
Lt. Michael Miller of the Akron police department says no arrests have been made and detectives have not yet discovered a motive.
“Talking with people not just in the family, but in the community, she was the last person someone would expect this to happen to,” Miller told Cleveland.com. “She didn’t have an adversarial relationship with anyone in her life. It looks like another unfortunate and senseless murder.”
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