Family and friends to honor Bladen Co. native murdered last year

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Family and friends will take time tonight to honor a Bladen County native murdered a year ago.

Melissa Huggins-Jones’s 8-year-old daughter found her body May 14, 2013, in her Raleigh apartment. Three people were later charged with her death, which investigators say was a random crime.

Huggins-Jones’s cousins have planned a ceremony in her hometown tonight to honor her. They will release lanterns at The Venue at White Lake’s Regal Resort. The event starts at 8 p.m. and is open to the public.