The Nu Epsilon chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. at Alabama A&M University is calling on federal officials to help resolve the case of Jelani Day, who was missing for nearly two weeks before his body was found on Sept. 4 in the Illinois River.
Day was a member of the fraternity at Alabama A&M before he became a graduate student at Illinois State University, the Belleville News-Democrat reports. The Nu Epsilon chapter has now launched a petition with more than 27,000 signatures, demanding a formal investigation by federal and state authorities as Day's loved ones search for answers.
“Unfortunately, our work and support of the Day family are not complete,” the chapter stated. “Until the person responsible for killing Jelani is prosecuted and convicted, we will not relent or rest.”
As Blavity previously reported, the 25-year-old was found without his organs when officers located his body last month. An autopsy showed that the young man was missing his eyeballs, as well as top and bottom teeth. Day's brain, liver and spleen were also missing while his jawbone had been “sawed out."
Day's mother, Carmen Bolden Day, went to Facebook to share the petition from her son's former fraternity.
"We need answers!! We DEMAND answers," the grieving mother wrote, echoing the demands of the advocates.
Day, who was reported missing on Aug. 25, was seen on surveillance footage while entering a retail store in Bloomington, Illinois, a day earlier. His Chrysler 300 was found a day later in a wooded area about 60 miles north of Bloomington. After his body was found on Sept. 4 while floating near the south bank of the Illinois River, Day's identity was confirmed nearly three weeks later.
What happened to Jelani Day? Black grad student goes missing August 25th later found in a Illinois river Sept 4th and not identified for 20 days after! All his organs were missing. Im so sick of this happening. #JelaniDay
#JusticeForJelani
pic.twitter.com/u8Z4tqCVeu— Kay????Bee (@lupie_kb) October 10, 2021
Family, friends and community leaders now continue their efforts to find justice.
"We the members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the Nu Epsilon chapter at Alabama A&M University, both current and alumni members, write to demand a formal investigation be launched to bring to justice those responsible for the death of our dear brother Jelani Day," the statement read.
