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Battle Creek family searching for answers in homecoming king’s death

Posted at 11:26 PM, Mar 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-26 23:27:17-04

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Those who knew Joe Bowser can’t say enough good things about him, and his loved ones are wondering why someone would kill him.

Family members in Battle Creek are searching for answers after Bowser, 22, was found shot in the head this past weekend.

“I’m going to really miss my brother, he was a great, great, person,” said Bowser's sister, Alexia.

Police say Bowser's body was found behind an apartment building at River Apartments on Saturday. Officials say he died of a single gunshot wound to the head.

His sisters say they have no idea why this happened or who would have done such a thing.

“I never would have thought in a million years that my brother would be taken from our family by someone else’s hand," said India Bowser.

“I was actually driving, and when I heard the news I was just like shocked," said Alexia. "I had to stop the car and ask if this is real, is this a nightmare? It just can’t be true."

"My brother was not involved in activities that I feel would put him in that situation.”

Bowser was a 2014 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Relatives say he was the homecoming king and excelled in multiple sports for the Bearcats.

He went on to study engineering at Western Michigan University.

Friends gathered at Battle Creek Central High School on Monday to keep his memory alive.

His family asks for one thing.

“Justice for Joe," said Inida, "because he didn’t deserve this. This isn’t how he was supposed to pass."

The family is planning funeral services. They’re also trying to set up a scholarship in his name at WMU.

Anyone with information on Bowser's death is asked to call Battle Creek Police at 269-966-3322 or Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.