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This story has been updated. 

A fundraising account has received almost $15,000 in donations to pay for the funeral expenses of a Renfroe Middle School student who was murdered on Sunday morning.

Shykia Ward-Reese, 14, was in the eighth grade. She was murdered along with an unidentified male victim on Sunday morning at Trinity Walk apartments in Decatur.

Police have arrested Royce Stewart and have accused him of stabbing the victims to death.

According to the Go Fund Me page, “Shykia Ward-Reese was an 8th grader at Renfroe Middle School in Decatur, Ga. [She was] the daughter of a hardworking single mother and the older sibling of a 7 year old sister . On March 25, 2018, at only 14 years old, this precious teen was the victim of a brutal homicide in her own home. Shykia was a joy to all who met her. We are asking that you help us lay her to rest properly. We appreciate all donations no matter the amount and we thank you for your prayers and support.”

To make a donation to the Go Fund Me account, click here.

Police so far have not revealed a motive for the crime or indicated why they believe Stewart committed it. A spokesperson said more details will be revealed soon.

There will be a candlelight vigil for Ward-Reese on Tuesday evening, March 27. It begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the Beacon Municipal Courtyard, located at 420 W. Trinity Place Decatur, GA, 30030.

Editor’s note: Earlier police reports indicated the victim’s name was Shykia Ward. Police have clarified that her full name is Shykia Ward-Reese.

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