Family honors memory of Tyler Eubanks 1 year after his murder

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A Decatur family held a candlelight vigil to mark one year since the murder of Tyler Eubanks.

The 15-year-old was killed last July by two other 15-year-olds. Tyler was found in an abandoned building on W. Harrison Avenue. Police said he was lured to an abandoned building, put in a chokehold and stabbed 23 times.

His family and friends remembered his legacy at the vigil.

"Tyler was by far the goofiest, happiest teenager I've ever met," said Dionica Eubanks, Tyler's mom. "He cared about things in the community, he wanted to give back and that was his dream in life was to give back, but his life was taken."

Eubanks shared that Tyler used to help elderly women in the community take their garbage out. He was also known to help kids get home from the bus stop when their grandparents were watching them.

His mom also called him the "little therapist" because of his compassion and love for everyone around him.

"He would help me with a lot of stuff, and if I was down he would cheer me up," said Ahmaya Eubanks, Tyler's sister. "He was a very nice person and he didn't deserve this, he was nice to everyone."

Tyler's family honors his love for helping others with events for the community. Their shoe drive, "Walking Tall with Tyler" is happening on August 10th from 11-2pm at City of Praise Church.