Funeral set for teen run down at bar

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The funeral arrangements are set for Tifanee Crews, the 19-year-old who died after being run over by a car outside a downtown Grand Rapids bar last week.

Her father, Teion Crews, also released a statement about her funeral: "On behalf of the immediate family of Tifanee Crews we would just like to thank this community for the abundance amount of love and support they've shown for our daughter, and also add that there was never a need to raise money for Tifanee's funeral services. While we appreciate the actions of other family members to become involved in the monetary aspect of the burial, response to do so was at their discretion and not at the request of the immediate family."

On Monday, just feet from the spot where she was hit and killed by a vehicle, friends and family were collecting money for the teen's burial. Her immediate family disavowed that action.

A brawl that started at the Tap House and spilled out onto the streets of downtown Grand Rapids quickly escalated. April Juarez, who police say was involved in the fight, allegedly left the bar, got into her car and mowed down a crowd of people.

The 22-year-old, who is in custody, has been charged with open murder and four counts of attempted murder. She hit five people in all, although Crews was the only one who died.

Crews was a bystander, according to her family.

Alvin Bright was awoken with a phone call early Friday morning, after the incident. He received news that Crews was clinging to life in the hospital.

"It was unreal," he said. "I couldn't really believe it."

Crews' sister expressed pain and anger outside the courtroom, knowing nothing will bring Tifanee back, but still seeking justice from the system.

"We're going to be strong and we know we've got God on our side and our family is strong," Brandi Green said. "And we're going to make it through this."

Juarez was arraigned in district court Monday. She faces life in prison.

She allegedly drove a 1998 four-door Cadillac onto the sidewalk near Weston Street and Ionia Avenue early Friday morning and hit two people, then went around the corner and onto another sidewalk and hit more pedestrians before fleeing the scene.

Her attorney said she was beaten severely in the bar, and her actions were a result of fearing for her life.

"I do know this was a volatile situation -- mob mentality going on," Gerald R. Stahl said.

He also argued that Juarez has no prior convictions and has three children at home. But Judge Jeanine Laville denied bond. Her preliminary hearing is set for March 17.

Meanwhile, a street-side memorial and T-shirts have been created to honor Crews.

"For she'll always be remembered," Bright said. "So people can see her and say that's T-Crews. That was her nickname that they called her around the way, you know."

A wake and viewing open to the public will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Brown Funeral Home, 627 Jefferson Ave. SE.

Crews' funeral is set for Friday at 11 a.m. at Renaissance Church Of God In Christ, 1001 33rd St. SE, in Grand Rapids.