Getty/News 5 LeBron James asks for her help on Twitter to find the person who murdered his "brother's sister" Ericka Weems.
In the midst of the nationwide unrest leading up to Election Day, LeBron James’ “brother’s sister,” Ericka Weems, was found murdered in Akron, Ohio, on November 2. She was 37.
On November 4, James tweeted, “AKRON OHIO!! My brother’s sister was murdered this past weekend in her home! My brother family need answers to why and by whom. My city I need y’all to go to work and find out who did this awful, shameful, disgusting thing to such a caring, loving angel! #Justice4EricaWeems.”
AKRON OHIO!! My brother’s sister was murdered this past weekend in her home! My brother family need answers to why and by whom. My city I need y’all to go to work and find out who did this awful, shameful, disgusting thing to such a caring, loving angel! #Justice4EricaWeems❤️💔
The “brother” James is referring to is Brandon Weems, a close friend of the NBA star. He’s the scouting director of the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to The Washington Post.
Brandon Weems sister, a graduate of Ohio State University, was found dead in her home on Hardesty Boulevard, News 5 Cleveland reported. The Summit County Medical Examiner ruled Weems’ death a homicide. She died from a gunshot wound to the head, News 5 reported.
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, LeBron is a “childhood friend” of Weems’.
Weems’ Family Is Completely Devastated: ‘She Loved & Cared About Everybody’
FacebookEricka Weems was murdered on November 2, 2020.
Members of Weems’ family found her body at around 3 p.m. on Monday, according to News 5, after multiple people had not been able to reach her by phone. Darrell Weems, her father, said that the last time he saw his daughter was at his home on Saturday evening.
“She left me about 9 o’clock. I told her to call me when she got home, and she never called. I called her all day Sunday. No answer,” he said. On Monday, Weems was scheduled to babysit for a friend, but she didn’t show. The friend called Weems’ sister, Shermaine Weems-Reed, and together they went to Weems’ home where they found her dead in the upstairs bedroom.
“They just stripped our whole world in the blink of an eye,” said Weems-Reed. Her brother, Brandon Weems said, “She just loved and cared about everybody. She had the biggest heart. I’m going to miss her dearly. She had a passion and love for children. She could get kids to say and do things that even their parents couldn’t do.”
The Akron Beacon Journal reported that Weems “always wanted to help people.” She volunteered with the homeless in her community and “turned her love of helping children into a career” by running a daycare in Columbus before moving closer to family in Akron.
Her father said Weems got her passion for helping others from her mother, Brenda Lewis-Weems, who died in 2006 after winning a Beacon Journal award for Extraordinary Women in the Akron Area in 2005, according to the outlet.
NaTashia Stevens, a close friend of the family, shared a sentiment on Facebook that was very similar to LeBron’s message on Twitter. She wrote, “I am totally lost for words because I’m numb with this one.. to the Weems family Shermaine Weems-Reed .. no words can fill the void you feel. I do love you and praying hard for you all during these trying times…Rest Peacefully My Fren… don’t even seem right saying this.. City of Akron we got to do better!!!!”
Police Say They Have No Suspects for Weems’ Murder
Weems’ murder is still under investigation and the Akron police say they have no suspects. Numerous questions remain in their search for her murderer. According to News 5, detectives are asking, “Did Ericka know her killer? Did she allow that person into the home? Was there a break-in? Is anything missing from the residence?”
Weems’ father said the family is grateful for LeBron’s help, according to the Beacon Journal, “not just because he’s Lebron James, but because they’re looking for anyone who can reach out and help find justice in Ericka Weems’ death.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward by contacting Akron detectives at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP.
Summit County Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the killer. People with information can remain anonymous by calling 330-434-COPS or by texting TIPSCO with tips to 274637.
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