Sons speak out after their mother's murder

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A woman was killed in a stabbing in downtown Grand Rapids on Wednesday, November 6th. According to police, the suspect then turned the knife on himself. The latest news we have received is that he is still in the hospital.

The victim's name was Lavonia Parham. Her sons Anthony, Ricky and Derrick Parham say their mother's murder was the result of a domestic violence relationship with a man she had long been trying to get away from.

Lavonia was loved by her boys, who are now devastated by her death.

“It’s just heartbreaking,” Anthony said. “Dealing with that, man, that was the hardest thing we’ve ever been through.”

Lavonia was killed near Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School at the corner of Division and Goodrich. Her sons say this wasn't the first time she was stabbed.

“There was already one incident where he actually stabbed her and took her to the hospital,” Anthony said.

At the time of the murder, Lavonia had no relationship with the man who pulled the knife.

“You know, she must have been scared because she was trying to stay away from that man,” Ricky said.

Now Anthony addresses these final words to his mother.

“There’s nothing that can replace what we had,” Anthony said. “We miss you very much.” We will always miss you. We will keep your name alive. We will make sure we enter on your behalf: Lavonia Lucille Parham.”

A Go Fund Me for Lavonia's family is linked here.

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