DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of people turned out Tuesday night to pay their respects for Shykia Ward-Reese, 14, who police say was killed by her uncle, Royce Stewart, 36, this past weekend.
Ward-Reese was stabbed to death inside her Decatur apartment on Sunday.
Police found Stewart after a manhunt in DeKalb County. Stewart already served five years in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter in 2004.
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At a vigil Tuesday night to honor the Renfroe Middle School student, friends shared what Ward-Reese’s love for life and laughter meant to them.
"It feels like we just saw her yesterday," one friend said during the service. "She was my godsister, she was a friend, she was a sister, she was a role model. She was a good dancer."
It was that spark and infectious smile that loved ones say pulled hundreds to pay their respects Tuesday night to the vigil, put on by the Beacon Hill NAACP.
"Shykia could walk in and light up third period with a smile. And turn a walk to the pencil sharpener into a dance party," another friend said, not identifying herself.
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Decatur police say Shykia's uncle, Royce Stewart, stabbed her and her mother's boyfriend, Manuel de Jesus Franco, 35, to death at Trinity Walk Apartments Sunday, leaving the community and her family stunned.
"It means a lot to her mother. She's getting stronger and just finding a way to cope at this time through the love and care that everyone is coming together to show," a family friend said, not identifying themselves.
Classmates and loved ones shared their fondest memories of Shykia, from memories of playing in the band, running on the track team and cheering along Shykia.
Those who knew her say her legacy will be with them for a lifetime.
"It didn't matter what color you are, how old you were, or what you looked like, in general she would always be there for you," a friend said.
Cox Media Group
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