Beloved church elder killed by gunfire; family wants justice

DETROIT (WJBK) - Erica Farley was a church elder, a beloved family member and known as a good friend.

Thursday night loved ones are remembering Farley who was killed this week by gun violence. And it's that faith anchoring Farley's loved ones.

Dozens gathered to remember the 40-year-old wife and mother of three who was shot and killed Sunday morning.

"Wonderful smile, it would brighten your day, loved the Lord," said Shiquita Smith, her cousin. "Erica was a wonderful person. I don't know how else to explain Erica."

Even reflecting on her life hurts now, for loved ones. Farley's family and friends are still coming to terms with her death.

"I'm still in the dark so I have no (answers)," said Khalid Farley, her husband. "I just know whatever happened it shouldn't have happened and whoever did this, I don't think they knew what they did."

Police say she was inside her house on the 10700 block of Balfour when someone fired into a window early Sunday morning. 

A man inside was struck in the leg. A bullet hit Erica in the neck and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The gunman is still at large on the street.

"The only thing I can say to whoever did it is, just repent," said Raheem Warren. "Ask God for forgiveness."

Raheem Warren was Farley's pastor. She served in a leadership role at Until Christ Returns Church.

Those close to Farley remember her as a woman of deep faith, hustle and a heart for hurting women. She started Voices With A Purpose to help them.

"She wanted to give back to young ladies and let them know you have a voice, you are not alone," said Smith. "We are here to mentor you; we are here to love you."

Erica is survived by her husband Khalid and three children: Jasmine, Keisean and Kenyon. All of them are desperate for closure and have a message for the person who took Erica's life.

"You know what you did is wrong," Smith said. "Turn yourself in, this family needs justice for her."

If you have any information call Detroit police at (313) 596-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.