KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After the arrest Wednesday of two men suspected of murdering a UMKC student Thursday night, many who knew the student well are relieved that police think they have in custody the people responsible.
Police arrested Anthony Williams, 21, and Alonzo Ruff, 20, for the murder of Aaron Markarian. According to the probable cause statement, police found the suspects because one of the victims recognized the alleged gunman, Aaron Ruff, as a classmate from his high school.
Markarian was one of four people shot when two men broke into the home and started shooting. Another man was in critical condition but is expected to survive. Two women who were also wounded during the incident will also recover. Friends say the four victims were roommates having a birthday party inside a house located at 49th and Brookside Boulevard.
Investigators say the suspects stole cell phones and $400 in cash on the way out. Then, almost as an after-thought, police say they shot the four closest to the front door.
Marciem Bazell, the Opera Director at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, is among the many people mourning Markarian’s death.
She knew Aaron Markarian as a gifted actor and singer, who was supposed to graduate from the university in May.
Bazell taught Aaron for the last five years and considers him one of the three most talented students she’s ever had.
“He understood that his instrument was his entire body and just not his voice which was incredibly gorgeous,” she said.
UMKC plans to honor Aaron with his degree posthumously.
