KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Friends and family gathered Saturday for the funeral of a UMKC student shot and killed at a birthday party.
Aaron Markarian was a student at university’s Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Those who knew him remember him as a gited singer and actor. Less than two weeks ago, Markarian performed in William Shakespeare’s “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” on the school’s campus.
The university plans to honor Markarian with a posthumous degree that will be presented in May, when he would have graduated.
Three other people were shot at the birthday party and are expected to recover
Alonzo Ruff, 20, and Anthony Williams, 21, were arrested and charged with Markarian’s murder.
Markarian’s family said the mother of one of the suspects has reached out to them and their thoughts go out to her.
“Everyone connected to the event of last week is suffering,” according to a statement released by the family.
The statement also read, “We wish to thank everyone who has shared their thoughts and prayers for our family. They have been and will be a great comfort to us in our time of need. Our hearts go out to Aaron;s friends and the other families affected by the events of last Thursday. As everyone who met Aaron knew he was special, he was
unique and we love him and will miss him to the end of our days.”
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