Family gathers to honor slain Martin University student

INDIANAPOLIS — In the sky over Martin University Saturday, balloons celebrated the life of 23-year-old Camari Hunt.

The balloons were striking but also a visual reminder that the people who took his life still have not been caught.

“I’m very upset,” Camari’s mother, Kimeka Hunt, said during a vigil at Martin University on Saturday. “I’m angry. I’m hurt. I’m confused. I want my son. But what you all can help us do is get justice for Camari Hunt.”

On Jan. 31, Camari was shot and killed in a west side apartment complex near 34th Street and Moller Road. The shooting happened in broad daylight.

In the days since Camari’s death, Kimeka has learned that there were people who witnessed the shooting. Camari’s mother said someone likely knows exactly who targeted, ambushed and killed her son.

“All I can ask for is to call,” Kimeka said. “Call the police, call anonymously, call me personally, call his father personally. We just want a name.”

At 23 years old, Camari was already extremely accomplished. He earned a full-ride college scholarship for football during his sophomore year of high school.

Camari was studying to be a psychologist and slated to graduate from Martin University with a bachelor’s degree this spring. Camari was supposed to graduate alongside his father, Cameron Hunt. Cameron will earn his second master’s degree later this year.

Cameron said his son never had a single enemy but left a legacy that some might be jealous of.

“Jealousy comes in when you begin to see what it is and how it is, and I think they took his life too soon,” Cameron said. “And they took it right before he could be able to say he’s going to be a positive member of this community. I really do. So, if a target was on his back, I could see that.”

While the investigation into how Camari died continues, his legacy will live on. Evolve International — an organization at which Camari served as a mentor — will now present an “Exemplary Leadership Award” in his name.

Police are still encouraging those with information on Camari’s death to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana by calling (317) 262-8477, using the P3Tips mobile app or visiting www.CrimeTips.org.