LeBron James Pleads For Justice After Friend’s Sister Is Fatally Shot In ‘Senseless’ Killing

LeBron James is demanding justice after the sister of a lifelong friend and former teammate was found murdered in her bedroom.

Ericka Weems, 37, was found dead in her Akron home around 3 p.m. on Monday after friends and family were unable to reach her for several days, Cleveland.com reports. She had been shot in the head and her death was ruled a homicide, a spokesperson from the Summit County Medical Examiners Office confirmed in a phone interview with Oxygen.com.

Ericka was the sister of Brandon Weems, the director of scouting for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a close friend of LeBron James. Yesterday, James took to Twitter to mourn and plead for answers.

“AKRON OHIO!! My brother’s sister was murdered this past weekend in her home! My brother family need answers to why and by whom,” James tweeted. “My city I need y’all to go to work and find out who did this awful, shameful, disgusting thing to such a caring, loving angel!”

James has been close to the Weems family since childhood, meeting Brandon through Pee Wee football when they were 5 and 6 years old, Michigan news site MLive reported in 2015. That friendship continued into high school, where Brandon played with James on the St. Vincent-St. Mary basketball team.

“I make sure I look out for him. He’s my little brother,” James told MLive at the time.

James dedicated his first NBA playoff game to Brandon's mother, Brenda Lewis-Weems, who was also James' godmother, Cleveland.com reports. 

And now, the two friends mourn together a loss that has left loved ones stunned and bewildered.

A childcare worker beloved by her community, Ericka “was the last person someone would expect this to happen to,” Akron police Lt. Michael Miller told Cleveland.com. She seemed to have no enemies, and investigators are still searching for leads on what Miller called “another unfortunate and senseless murder.”

The Cavaliers tweeted yesterday evening in solidarity with Ericka’s reeling family.

“Our hearts are filled with pain over this senseless act. We express our deepest condolences to Brandon, the entire Weems family, their loved ones, and the Akron community,” general manager Koby Altman wrote.

I an Instagram post yesterday, Brandon honored his sister’s kindness and vibrant presence.

“You had such a kind heart and a warm soul … I was so proud of you and happy that you finally found peace and happiness in your life. Why would anyone want to do this to you??” he wrote.

Anyone with information on this murder is encouraged to contact Akron detectives at 330-375-2490 or Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS.