My name is Tamika and I am the daughter of Marty's only Aunt, Janell, and one of three of Marty's first cousins. But we were more than cousins, Marty was my (our) brother! And, it is still hard to report that he was murdered on October 3, 2021, after leaving his girlfriend's birthday gathering.
Since this tragedy, it has come to my and my family's attention that Marty was being abused, bullied, and controlled by his girlfriend and some members of her family for quite some time. And, apparently, the abuse and bullying continued until he was finally killed!
One of the things that really angers me the most is the fact that everyone and anyone who knew Marty unanimously remembered him as a kind, fun-loving, easy-going, and non-confrontational individual, which makes his senseless murder even more painful to process!
Of course, my family and I simply wish that Marty would have spoken up and not left us in the dark about his suffering! Because had we been aware of the abuse he more likely than not would still be with us today!
But, since Marty is now gone and is never coming back we are forever tasked with showing up for him and speaking up on his behalf! Not to mention, there is a great deal of work that must be done in the coming weeks, months, and years ahead in order to keep Marty's memory and his case from fading away from the hearts and minds of people, as well as the logs of the justice system.
So, I decided to start a memorial fund in his name for multiple reasons, and any gifts that you give a portion will be used to assist us with various costs associated with successfully seeking and achieving Justice for Marty!
Meanwhile, another portion of the proceeds raised will also be used to cover funeral and burial expenses, offer financial support to Marty's only child (who by the way is heading to college next year). There is also a need for additional legal counsel and mental health (grief) counseling. Your generous financial support will also help us to cover expenses associated with travel, food, and lodging to and from Nashville for all court proceedings and finally to support as well as for the initial groundwork and for the launching of our foundation that is currently underway in honor of our beloved Marty.
Finally, I am also leading the cause to get a law passed in Marty's name and honor that will be designed to help support and protect men who find themselves in controlling and abusive relationships. And, to also hold the abuser(s) criminally accountable if physical harm or death occurs as a result of their ongoing abuse.
On behalf of my family and I (we) would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you in advance for your prayers, financial support, and other assistance, as the Lord continues to help us navigate through this very difficult time!
To our loving and dear angel who rests up above, you will be forever missed and you will be forever loved!!
And, on a final but happy note, I'll be rooting for your beloved Tennessee Titans & Pittsburgh Steelers for you!
