Family grieves, seeks answers after 31-year-old father, Jeremiah Frazier, is shot and killed in northeast Raleigh
Jeremiah Frazier, 31, was found dead from gunshot wounds early Sunday morning over Memorial Day weekend in a townhome complex where he lived in northeast Raleigh.
Frazier, who was born and raised in Raleigh, was a father to three children and a small business owner.
Police say a homicide investigation is ongoing.
His step-sister, Tushiyah Yisrael, says she's heartbroken.
"We would have never expected homicide," Yisrael said. "He's not the type of person that you would have ever thought to pass away in this way."
Yisrael has called Frazier her "twin" for 20 years, as they share the same birthday, two years apart. She says they grew up in a "tight-knit, blended family" and that Frazier was affectionately nick-named "Pete" due to the close resemblance to his great-grandfather.
His family and friends described him as a funny, humble and personable family man with a big heart.
"He just had this bright personality, and he loved children," Yisrael said.
Frazier was a football player at East Wake High school before he started a car detailing business called iDetail Raleigh nearly a decade ago.
Yisrael said Frazier wanted to start a business so that he could provide for his family after his mother suffered a stroke.
"How could someone take such a great man from his children and from his family?" Yisrael asked.
Frazier leaves behind three young children, a 7-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old step-daughter.
"Now, these sweet children have to grow up without a father, and that is a hard pill to swallow," Yisrael said. "We haven't even told the children yet. We're trying to find the words on how we are going to break this to his children because he was such an amazing father. It's going to be rough, and we're gonna have long, grieving days ahead."
Yisrael is a single mom, and she said Frazier has also been a father figure to her kids.
"We want justice, and we want answers because this is not the type of man who deserves to have had his life ended in his way," Yisrael said.
A candlelight memorial will be held at Southgate Park from 7-8:30pm. Family is asking attendees to wear white and bring a white candle. Candles will be provided to those who don't have one.
