Hundreds Attend Vigil For Kentucky Beta Theta Pi Brother Murdered During Robbery
Nearly 500 mourners attended a vigil held Friday night in honor of University of Kentucky Beta Theta Pi brother Jonathan Krueger. Krueger was shot and killed while two men attempted to rob him and a friend early Friday morning as they walked down the street.
The chapter posted this message to their Facebook page yesterday afternoon.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThis morning, the world lost an amazing Beta, brother and friend. We can’t express our sympathies…
Posted by Beta Theta Pi – University of Kentucky on Friday, April 17, 2015
Many of Krueger’s fraternity brothers and friends spoke during the vigil last night and shared their feelings regarding the loss of their friend.
From KFVS:
“At 5:30 this morning I got a phone call that left me speechless in time,” Krueger’s fraternity brother, Luke Lewis, told the crowd.
Several of Krueger’s fraternity brothers were shaken by both the loss and the violence.
“I was angry, I was sad, I was shocked all at the same time,” Lewis said.
Many talked about Krueger’s passion for photography.
“I truly think everyone loved him, really a horrible loss,” his Kentucky Kernel coworker, Morgan Hatfield, said.
Twitter was also flooded with messages of support for the Kentucky Beta Theta Pi chapter and Krueger’s friends and family, including several from high-profile Kentucky athletes.
RIP Jonathan Krueger
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KATis32) April 17, 2015
Sending prayers and my love out to the family and friends of Jonathan Krueger.
— Marcus Lee(@SuperKingMe) April 17, 2015
Prayers go out to the Kruger family!
— Aaron Harrison (@AaronICE2) April 17, 2015
Jon was a great brother and friend, you never caught him without a smile on his face. Such a sad loss pic.twitter.com/qC4lxwlHrb
— Todd Montgomery (@Toddmontgomery9) April 17, 2015
The Kernel lost a friend and colleague today. See how we and others are remembering him: http://t.co/3bUXBLsltp pic.twitter.com/fyJsQXOYDW
— Kentucky Kernel (@KyKernel) April 17, 2015
One of Krueger’s fraternity brothers put together a great compilation of photos honoring the UK Kernal photojournalist.
In Memory of Jonathan Krueger. I love and miss you buddy. "It's been a long day but I'll see you again" https://t.co/tXJzXU0FHf
— Tyler Davis Parsley (@Tparsley22) April 18, 2015
Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the fatal robbery. The two men — Efrain Diaz and Justin Smith — were both arrested by Lexington police officers within 24 hours of the incident.
@KyKernel Efrain Diaz, 20, has been charged with the murder of Kernel photo editor Jonathan Krueger. "I'm innocent." pic.twitter.com/ln68yTFel1
— Will Wright (@KernelWright) April 18, 2015
Justin D. Smith is escorted by Lexington police. When asked if he killed Jon, his response was "No. Hell no." pic.twitter.com/28ffAZ3xRS
— Kentucky Kernel (@KyKernel) April 17, 2015
Murder suspect Justin D. Smith has been charged in the death of UK student Jonathan W. Krueger pic.twitter.com/QTbDIUm1RS
— Charles Bertram (@cbertramHL) April 17, 2015
For those interested, there will be a second vigil on Monday night.
The Kernel is holding a vigil at 8 p.m. Monday at Memorial Hall. Anyone is welcome and can bring photos or messages for Jonathan's family.
— Kentucky Kernel (@KyKernel) April 17, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kentucky’s Beta Theta Pi brothers and Krueger’s friends and family..
[via KFVS]
Image via Facebook
I couldn’t imagine losing a brother, prayer to his family and brothers.
11 years ago at 12:15 amWooglin will watch over you brother, Rest in Peace, in _kai_ -2989
11 years ago at 6:45 pmRest in Peace Brother
11 years ago at 9:05 am_Kai_
Thoughts and prayers to our UK Beta brothers. Your brothers at UDayton stand with you. Yours in _kai_ 171
11 years ago at 11:24 am