Vigil honors slain Walker woman, 30

WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) - Friends and family of Jamie Powell gathered for a candelight vigil Tuesday night, exactly one month after the 30-year-old was found shot to death in her Walker apartment.

More than 50 people attended, just off Alpine Avenue in a parking lot near Old Orchard Apartments, where Powell lived.

Many prayed and some cried. Powell's family still has no answers.

When Powell was found dead March 5, police swarmed the scene for hours. But now, the trail has grown cold. Though police continue to investigate the case, no one has been arrested in the death of the 30-year-old woman.

"It's been a horrific nightmare -- not having any answers, not knowing anything," said Jennifer Powell, Jamie's sister. "We're just hoping and praying that someone will come forward with any information they might have."

Still, on Tuesday night her loved ones tried to focus on the good -- lighting candles in her memory and honoring Jamie's life.

"Anyone who had her in their life was truly blessed," said Shannon Powell, a cousin. "She was one of a kind."

Added Jennifer: "I guess I haven't accepted it yet that she's gone."

Her four sisters are left with many memories.

"Probably a million of them -- not off the top of my head," Jennifer said.

"She was always giggly happy," said Kari Powell, another of Jamie's sisters. "I miss her giggle (and) her laugh."

Those close to Jamie prayed that whomever took her life will be brought to justice soon.

"I think the family, for what it's worth, the family needs closure," said Tara Candia, a family friend. "Not that there can be closure with this. This is a prime example of somebody good that was taken."

Family members passed out flyers hoping it will generate more leads for police. They don't have any idea why someone would want to harm Jamie.

The lead detective with the Walker Police Department said the case is open and active, and she's not even taking time off until more progress is made.

Since Powell's body was discovered, police have interviewed witnesses -- at least one who claims he or she saw a man climbing out the apartment window -- and then a 21-year old was arrested, but released a short time later.