CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Gathering in the Detroit east side neighborhood where Shamekia Kelly grew up, her family shared their heartbreak after police said the 36-year-old was found stabbed to death last week at the Lakeside Village Apartments in Clinton Township.
“She was a joy. She brought joy to our family,” said her sister, Nivra Duren.
Duren said Kelly was in nursing school and “loved to care for people,” adding she worked as a tech for more than 10 years. The family said they became worried when they couldn’t reach her.
“We were trying to reach her, going to voicemail, and her job did a welfare check on her, and that’s when they discovered her deceased in her apartment,” Duren said.
Kelly’s sister, Tamira Bracey, said the family is demanding answers.
“She was a loving person. She didn’t deserve this at all. She was my big sister. I want justice for her,” Bracey said.
The family said Clinton Township police have shared limited information about the investigation. They also said Kelly had been in an abusive relationship for the past four years, and they had been worried about her safety.
“When we would be on the phone, she would be like, whispering like she is scared to voice herself or rush me off the phone,” Bracey said.
Kelly’s aunt, Yolanda Bracey, urged others to recognize warning signs.
“I just want to urge these young ladies that domestic violence is just not always abuse as physical. It can start from isolation,” she said.
Local 4 has repeatedly contacted the Clinton Township Police Department for an update on the investigation, but has not received a response yet.