Remembering Milan Jones: Vigil held for Temple University nursing student allegedly killed by her boyfriend in North Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Family and friends of 20-year-old Milan Jones gathered in Philadelphia on Friday evening to remember the Temple University nursing student and celebrate her life.

Jones was found dead last Saturday morning in a North Philadelphia apartment from blunt force trauma.

Philadelphia police said an argument between Jones and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Tymir Lackey, escalated into physical violence and led to her death. Police called it a domestic homicide.

Lackey, a fellow student at Temple University, was arrested and now faces murder charges.

In a parking lot at 74th Street and Ogontz Avenue, Jones’ family and friends gathered Friday night to release balloons.

“Being surrounded by so many people who care about her, I feel like I miss her,” said Kyle Armstrong, Jones’ older brother. “I want her here.”

Action News spoke with Armstrong and Angel Ramos, another of Jones’ brothers.

Both described her as talented, intelligent and kind. Her brothers said they are trying to come to terms with the death of their younger sister.

READ MORE: Temple University student charged with killing nursing student in North Philadelphia

“People depend on other people and choose people who will provide them with love, protection and security. The person she chose was the exact opposite,” Armstrong said.

“Domestic violence is not OK,” Ramos told Action News. “If you’re strong enough to hit someone, you’re strong enough to hold back.”

As Jones’ family prepares for her funeral, Lackey is preparing to respond to the charges surrounding her death.

Jones was about to begin her third year as a nursing student at Temple University. Her brothers said she wanted to be a travel nurse and eventually work in pediatrics.

Armstrong said his sister has a bright future ahead of her.

“She was very brilliant. I remember at one of her graduations, I was holding all the awards she had received. She had all these awards and I’m just so proud to be her big brother,” he said.

The funeral for Jones will take place early next week in Philadelphia.

A viewing is planned for Monday evening and Tuesday morning at the Emmanuel Johnson Funeral Home in East Mt. Airy, followed by a funeral mass at St. Helena Church in Olney on Tuesday morning.