Hundreds gather at candlelight vigil to remember Clark Atlanta student killed

ATLANTA — Hundreds of students gathered to light candles, wiped away tears and honored the memory of a Clark Atlanta student who was killed.

Alexis Crawford, a 21-year-old senior at the university, was found dead in a DeKalb County park on Friday. Her roommate and her roommate's boyfriend are charged in her death.

Channel 2's Audrey Washington attended the candlelight vigil held on campus Sunday night. Students told Washington everyone is coming together to help family and friends cope with the loss.

"The mood has been very hard. Things we can't find answers to," student Levon Campbell told Washington about Crawford's death.

Crawford's family members are beside themselves with grief.

"Ms. Crawford is unable to speak. She literally couldn't say (anything)," family spokesman Rev. Markel Hutchins said.

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"The case has come to one of the saddest conclusions possible. This has been absolutely heartbreaking," Atlanta Police Chief Erica Shields said. .

On Saturday, Atlanta police arrested Crawford's roommate, Jordyn Jones. Jones' boyfriend, Barron Brantley, will remain in jail after a judge denied him bond.

Police said one of the suspects led them to the body. Police have not yet released an exact motive, but the medical examiner says the 21-year-old Clark Atlanta University student died of suffocation.

"I can't find strong enough words to express how hurt Alexis' family is," Hutchins said.

Jones and Brantley are charged with malice murder.

Several viewers asked Channel 2's Lauren Pozen on Twitter what the difference is between malice murder and murder. She confirmed that malice murder is premeditated.

If convicted, both charges carry a life sentence.

Crawford will be laid to rest next Saturday at at Noon at the Hill Chapel Baptist Church in Athens.

The family asks that any cards or financial contributions be made directly to Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral home, which is handling the arrangements.

Meanwhile, students on campus are staying close to comfort and help each other grieve.

"Just to uplift each other and to make sure to were following our surroundings…and how we go about things in the community," Campbell said.

Grief counselors were on hand this weekend to help students who are having a hard time understanding.

Cox Media Group