They Say He Drowned But Evidence Suggests Otherwise… The Death of Jelani Day

The Jelani Day Foundation: www.thejelanidayfoundation.org/
T-shirts: jelanidayfoundation.creator-s...
All White Remembrance Dinner Tickets and information: www.eventbrite.com/e/jelani-d...
GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/find-jelan...
Sign the Petition: www.change.org/p/sign-this-pe...
Jelani Day Foundation Instagram: / thejelanidayfoundation
Justice for Jelani Day Facebook: profile.php?...
Justice for Jelani Day Instagram: justiceforj...
The public can submit tips anonymously via 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for “substantial information” and the family is offering up to $25,000 in reward money.
People to contact: Governor - JB Pritzker / jbpritzker 312-814-2121
Attorney General - Kwane Raoul / ilattygeneral 312-814-3000
Mayor - Mboka Mwilambwe 309-530-7664
City Manager - Tim Gleason 309-434-2210
Bloomington PD: / cityblmpd
[phone]
[e-mail] Peru PD: [phone] [e-mail]
Council Member Ward 1 - Jamie Mathy 309-306-1230
Council Member Ward 2 - Donna Boelen 309-386-0212
Council Member Ward 3 - Sheila Montney 309-205-0279
Council Member Ward 4 - Julie Emig 309-846-3605
Council Member Ward 5 - Nick Becker 309-830-7467
Council Member Ward 6 - De Urban 309-846-6105
Council Member Ward 7 - Mary “Mollie” Ward 309-205-9132
Council Member Ward 8 - Jeff Crabill 309-660-4025
Council Member Ward 9 - Tom Crumpler 309-205-0370
Sample of what to say: I am calling on behalf of Jelani Day. We demand that the Jelani Day joint task force thoroughly investigate the disappearance and death of Jelani Day. We demand a public apology from the chief of police from Bloomington, Peru, and La Salle city for not effectively working together in finding key elements in the disappearance and death of Jelani Day. Jelani Day was a 25-year-old man with limitless potential. Our world lost an incredible person, and we demand justice. Take accountability for the actions that you did not take to help find what happened to Jelani Day.
Become a member of this channel to get access to perks:
/ @kendallrae
#TrueCrime #KendallRae #JelaniDay
True Crime with Kendall Rae podcast
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3rks84o
Spotify: spoti.fi/3jC66pr
Shop my Merch! milehighermerch.com/
Donate to NCMEC: give.missingkids.org/campaign...
Check out my other podcasts:
Mile Higher (True Crime)
@milehigherpod
KZbin: bit.ly/2ROzJcw
Twitter: / milehigherpod
Instagram: / milehigherpod
The Sesh (Current events, a little true crime, pop culture, and commentary)
bit.ly/3Mtoz4X
@the_seshpodcast
IG: bit.ly/3a9t6Xr
TW: bit.ly/2XH4C2A
Check out my brand, Higher Love Wellness: higherlovewellness.com/
Use code KENDALLRAE for 10% off your order (excludes bundles)
Follow My Social! @KendallRaeOnyt
Twitter: / kendallraeonyt
Instagram: / kendallraeonyt
Facebook: bit.ly/3kar4NK
True Crime TikTok: bit.ly/3VDbc77
Personal TikTok: bit.ly/41hmRKg
My Zoo: / milehigherzoo
Watch my documentary, Apartment 801: bit.ly/2RJ9XXr
REQUESTS:
General case suggestion form: bit.ly/32kwPly
Form for people directly related/ close to the victim: bit.ly/3KqMZLj
Join my discord to chat with other viewers about this video, its free! / discord
C O N T A C T:
For Business Inquiries - [e-mail]
Send me mail
Kendall Rae
8547 E Arapahoe Rd Ste J # 233
Greenwood Village, CO 80112
Researched by:
Emily Dodge
Edited by:
Emily Dodge
Tom Mckinnon
Creator hosts a documentary series for education purposes (EDSA). These include authoritative sources such as interviews, newspaper articles, and TV news reporting meant to educate and memorialize notable cases in our history. Videos come with editorial context added bolstering educational and artistic value.

[@aniyabarnes7311]

The fact that you’ve always stood with our community and tell our stories just really warms my heart and I appreciate you

[@Sadbhnailart]

So many of us stand with you all, I’m so glad that Kendall uses her platform to help those that don’t get the help they not only need but deserve! Standing with you & loving you all from Ireland ❤

[@danaodriscoll9261]

❤❤❤

[@phoenixmuse7169]

& not only does she mention it everytime she goes out of her way to help 🫶🏽 love Kendall sm

[@aniyabarnes7311]

@@phoenixmuse7169 literally!!!

[@katiebishop4759]

This!😍🫶🏿

[@KerrieBerrie]

I love hearing Jelani's family talk about him. Being let in on these memories is a privilege.

[@YepItsMeMsJMC0721]

Me too. Even though they went through such a tragedy, it is so sweet to see his mom smile when speaking about him. 😢❤

[@evebber4467]

Very nicely said!! ❤

[@letstalkabouttime]

Well said 🙏🏽

[@lomiles83]

What a beautiful thing to say😚🤌🏽🥂

[@Erinlove22]

His mum explaining how he’d call just to hear her voice 🥺 I’m so sorry to the family for what you’ve all gone through. Signed the petition and sending this family strength all the way from Australia 🇦🇺

[@jamie6704]

I know. I started bawling. I live close to almost all the towns she's named and I can definitely confirm there are a LOT of sundowner towns in the smaller surrounding areas. It's disgusting. This young man was so loved, and seemed to have had a lot of love to give. Much less the amount of goals he had. It's cruel. My heart breaks for his mother especially.

[@sloanestone5780]

My Mama heart is bleeding 💔

[@user-jn5ve6ro5g]

Praying for the family to get justice!!! Thanks Kendall for focusing your stories on the families!!! This story breaks my heart❤ LOVE FOR THE FAMILY❤❤❤❤

[@bobblonger5650]

I know. My heart. I am very close with all of my boys so watching this mom has me deep in my feelings. I hope they find answers and get Justice.

[@MarauderVee]

I’m so tired and frustrated to hear how police and investigators can mess up on a case so badly. How can they not care??? My heart goes out to Jelani’s family.

[@aftersexhighfives]

Think of how much grief you'd have to carry to lose your care for other humans. I'm not saying the cops did well, they clearly have not. But they are also human and unfortunately are seriously jaded or full of learned hate. A lot of people with a badge do not deserve it and are military rejects. Not fit for 11b but are fit for a local badge to work with the rest of the failures in town who will meet their end very very old within 5 miles of where they were born. It's a pathetic, peaked in high school, existence. And their actions, with that background suddenly make sense. Unfortunately. Can't fix broken ppl, especially can't fix broken ppl with a badge that gives them an ego as big as the moon. Mental illness is rampant.

[@ChomoBidensMules]

​@@aftersexhighfivesyou're projecting, failure.

[@andreal5947]

Wonder if it’s some kind of coverup

[@theroyalfishkeepers7921]

@@ChomoBidensMules why cus he saying the truth i was falsely arrested twice by cops i think you just saying that cus ur probably never even been arrested lmao 🤣😂

[@ScorpioDiva1112]

You know exactly why they don’t care

[@lisalu7343]

Listening to his mom describe his childhood as if she had to justify why he would be worthy of help from the police is heartbreaking! No family should ever be made to feel that way! I wish all the best for this family and hope they get the answers and justice they deserve soon!!!!

[@ladytiast-shirtsndesigns5297]

😢

[@Findpepperbridge]

Exactly. Even if he was in the ghetto, it doesn’t matter. Everyone should be treated equally

[@lisalu7343]

@@Findpepperbridge 💯

[@MothproofKT]

100%

[@kar0047]

I felt the same way this is heartbreaking to watch as a mother. The way black families are often treated with complete dismissal by the police WHILE grieving their loved ones is absolutely disgusting. This case is just awful I’m so sad for this family and everyone that has their life touched by Jelani!

[@celysehernandez6862]

This family DESERVES MORE. More effort, more care, more love, more attention, more support. Thank you Kendall for giving them a platform for us to help.

[@dtaylor4123]

I feel like the police probably know who did it or there is someone pulling the strings to make sure this case doesn’t move forward. It’s a shame

[@CarolynFrazier-nu4xz]

Go figure, Sundown Town, only Blk man there amongst a town of Wte demons, yea they knw cause they were involved. I would never allow my son to run off with wht female demons being the only Blk grown or not. He was led straight into hell amongst the Devil Spawns and did not return to his mother, how much more EVIL can a race of people be, life taken because of his complection. But no surprise here they've been doing their evil deeds thru out history.

[@arielbrianna100]

I feel like you’re one of the only true crime podcasts/KZbinrs that genuinely care about the families/victims that you talk about. You stick to telling the story and involving those effected. I admire you so much! Keep doing what you’re doing ♥️

[@bespinoza1560]

You’d enjoy Jackie Flores, she has the same vibe as Kendall. ❤

[@shannon_w]

​@@bespinoza1560]and

[@shannon_w]

​@@bespinoza1560I will always listen 🎶 ❤️ 👌 😌 ♥️ 💕 6

[@ChomoBidensMules]

​@@bespinoza1560her eyes are almost on the sides of her head

[@soccerchick9841]

@@bespinoza1560another one of my favs

[@erinturner9618]

I live in the town where his car and body were found. It’s astonishing how little he is talked about around here. Our police department is absolutely not qualified to handle a case of this caliber. Jelani and his family deserve justice. Thank you for speaking on this case again!

[@beautiful10381]

someone in that town knows something!!

[@lailanimessina1473]

@@beautiful10381yea… THE COPS !

[@liv-hp7xw]

i also live in town and very true. our law enforcement know nothing more than a routine traffic stop. sad.

[@purplelove3666]

Sounds like organic trafficking to me

[@cttncndysandy]

My heart absolutely broke when they announced that his body had been found. I was really hoping it would be a different outcome. And the fact that no one in law enforcement has anything to say is so sad.

[@whereourheartsbeat1587]

The police messed up this investigation and don’t want to admit it. Instead they try to make Jelani family seem crazy when in fact Jelanis family are doing amazing and are better investigators than the police “handling” this case!

[@DestineyAmerie]

I think it was the police

[@morgane1039]

​@destineyamerie4273 me too!! Seems like small town cover-up. Who goes to school there that has roots in Peru?

[@soosgoes]

@@morgane1039Cover ups in sundown towns are nothing new. They tend to be heavily corrupt, and someone in law enforcement is probably related or close to the people who did it.

[@morgane1039]

@@soosgoes that's my line of thinking too!! 🤔

[@lonerebeI]

As they so often do!

[@maddiejaymes]

I was living in Bloomington at this time and it was horrible how little Jelani was discussed. I didn’t hear about him missing until a couple of weeks after he died. Bloomington police mishandled this so badly.

[@yup4418]

they purposely mishandle. my uncle was chopped into pieces and dumped in the river. Lasalle co police claim it was a suicide. the person that killed him tried to kill me by kicking me in the head with steel toe boots on with a large group of adults. I was a 15 year old. The police refused to take a police report citing. We don't go after these people. Dude is out of prison walking free. He hangs out a block away from where my uncles children live. I tried to get the records for a book im writing. they claim police department flooded. then there was a fire and all kinds of bs reasons. I was beaten and had my face ripped off as a minor a class x felony and the police acted like my life didnt matter. it has nothing to do with being a minority. these police are trash and only care about profiting off of criminally impounding cars.

[@shawdeejay5408]

I was living in Champaign and we were all so upset with the Bloomington police !!! Feel so sad for his mom and family 💔

[@CarolynFrazier-nu4xz]

No they didn't intend to solve this cause they were involed.

[@jodiwozowick742]

Carmen is the definition of a strong Mom. The way she is moving mountains to get justice for her son is truly remarkable. Praying for Jelani and his family.

[@caseyw.6550]

She's an incredible lady. I'm in awe.

[@MancuerdaAbsol]

You can tell how genuinely good of a person he was, the world is truly experiencing a massive loss, we need more people like him. I'm so sorry for the families loss,he deserves better and so do they

[@julz3tt3]

Agreed ❤❤❤❤

[@missdrool]

He was a genuinely good person. It's such a tradegy he lost his life and still hasn't gotten justice. The world needs more people like him. ❤ May Jelani rest in peace. He will be in my thoughts forever.

[@JosephinesBox]

The lack of information given to the family is ridiculous!! I can't even imagine their torment and anger. Everyone please sign the petition linked in the video!!!

[@djbookwurm]

Police do not give out info on open cases , not even to the family

[@sngray11]

In addition to signing the petition, making phone calls to all of the people listed in the description to put pressure on them can make an enormous difference.

[@GoatMack_O.N.E]

Just like that Kadin Black case in that other sundown town.. They have plenty evidence but don't do anything at all.. The whole town knows that Chris an that family killed that boy.. They never even investigated the home he was last seen an they had proof he never left threw surveillance.. Chris even sold his car only 6 months after he reported missing... These towns in general are corrupt an horrid for whites as well..

[@ShesAbsurd]

You’ve actually revolutionized true crime in the way that you connect with families and connect the rest of us with authorities and other people who can actually make moves in the case. It’s been amazing being a part of your true crime community. I started watching Mile Higher earlier THIS year and fell in love with it. I am so passionate about the Jelani Day case. He reminds me so much of myself young, black, educated, just trying to be successful! We will get answers for his family!

[@sammyjones8882]

@@Caitlinadalton09absolutely!!!!, I love what she’s done so far and continues to do.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dmc12397]

The fact that his family and his instructor did more work on trying to find Jelani than the cops is devastating. He deserved so much more care than they even thought to provide him. RIP Jelani 🖤

[@LindaIvette]

Thank you for covering this story!!!! I was a student at ISU when he went missing. The news of his passing shocked our campus and I still visualize all of the missing flyers around campus. May he rest in peace. It was awful what happened to him and frankly, us students are just as infuriated at the lack of justice.

[@maggiethompson6815]

I’ve been at ISU since last year (2022) and an eerily similar case happened last year, a year after Jelani’s case and the Normal police completely failed the community again. A guy was walking home from mexa Maya and was found dead with no shoes on and his backpack with all his school stuff was thrown a few feet away, he was found by a small creek so police said he laid down by it and drowned despite it being winter and he was not drunk. Everything feels like a big cover up.

[@lisasmith8630]

@@maggiethompson6815 Bloomington and Normal police are equally incompetent and uncaring. Lived in Blm, worked in Nrl - had a shop break-in, called police. Neighbor came to lend assist/moral support. They wound up side-eying my neighbor more than trying to find the true culprit. I guess since a person with dark skin (my neighbor) happened to be on scene - and bless him for helping me! - the case was solved in their eyes.

[@jacquelinespinoza4040]

The mother describing her son just broke my heart. You could hear in her voice how much she loved her son and misses him. Please sign the petition!

[@caseyw.6550]

This family is so special. I hate that they are suffering. Special shout out to his professor for sounding the alarm. I don't imagine many would do the same for a college kid.

[@iamjamie3528]

When you said his car was found in a sundowner town, that told me everything I needed to know about the investigation. A bunch of good ole boys covering for some good ole boys, disgusting. I'm so sorry for everything the family has been through, and hope they eventually get the results they deserve

[@SmellyMellyization]

Yes this told me all I needed to know as well. I was shocked honestly to know there were sundown towns that far north. I thought they were all here in the South.

[@Debabby]

period

[@anechoicsoul]

Yep… I had the same feeling… someone needs to talk.

[@S-Hay2024]

I felt the exact same way. We need to apply as much pressure as possible

[@kevinpatrickcarey3741]

blah blah go see a shrink

[@kirstenlee2460]

Carmen is the most devoted, caring mother I have ever seen. Her love and support radiates through every time she speaks. Jelani deserves so much more and the police have so much to answer for in this case. This case is a prime example of negligence and injustice. I hope answers are found and justice is served for Jelani and his family❤

[@veroniquehill9314]

Flying the family out to report on this case and help get his story out there is so admirable you truly are an angel when it comes to getting the message out for people who are wronged by the justice system. Thank you for covering these cases. Doing the lord's work yet again 🥺

[@maggiemunn5425]

💯

[@bjduke2271]

💯

[@julissayasmine5469]

As a mother to a mama’s boy, this story absolutely broke my heart. The rage I would feel if I were Jelani’s mother to how local law enforcement turned their back on her and left her and her family alone in the midst of a tragedy is incomprehensible. She handled this whole situation with such grace/strength, and is truly an inspiration. I pray Jelani and his family get the answers/justice they deserve.

[@jakejames3063]

Thinking of the family & I pray they get justice for Jelani soon. It’s so heartbreaking how this case has been handled!!

[@Rdrecca]

7 minutes in and watching his mommy speak about him… oh my heart breaks for her! You can see her struggling to speak but also glowing while she speaks of him. Poor mommy. So many prayers for her, and his entire family and all of his friends. Sounds like a wonderful young man!🙏🏻

[@1sellout39]

She is an amazing woman you can tell

[@Trisarahtops318]

Thank you for continuing to cover this case, it definitely needs so much attention that it isn’t getting. I am from Danville and went to DHS and this case hits close to home for me

[@sierrawirebaugh1424]

I’m so happy that you were able to come back around to Jelani’s case. I was an ISU student when he went missing and I’ll never forget the impact his disappearance and death had on our campus. I had the privilege of attending his memorials and rallies and seeing his family’s strength and dedication has always been inspiring. Thank you for your dedication to this family and to Jelani, Kendall!!🩷

[@nukthediva]

It has been two years… TWO! Since this has happened and TODAY I finally found the courage to listen to what happened to him. I just couldn’t do it.. my heart is broken and I’m so lost for words

[@1sellout39]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@annabelle9561]

The fact that he would call his mom just to hear her voice is so heartbreaking. What a beautiful soul 💔

[@marienavarro9555]

My son is an ISU student so this hits home for me. Let’s get justice for Jelani ❤❤❤

[@hopebrazier9629]

Hearing Jelani's mother talk about him is beautiful and also heartbreaking. To the family of Jelani Day, we will continue to find with you until we get justice for your son!

[@feonaarabellaparaiso1786]

It was. There are times where she clearly perks up because she’s remembering something sweet about him. And then the slight cracks in her voice when she thinks of her son’s investigation being botched… 💔 so heartbreaking. No parent should ever feel that pain.

[@sherryguilmette9732]

Finished this video on the third attempt. Carmen, remembering her boy, broke my soul. Her love and pain are equally raw and hard to hear. May Jelani rest among the angels. Prayers for justice.

[@briannajaide]

Thank you Kendall for continuously speaking of Jelani!!! What his mama and siblings and family have gone through. Nefarious case.

[@DestineyAmerie]

Does anyone think it was that officer/detective?!

[@cindyhesson9213]

You're a real blessing to these families Kendall ❤❤ Thank you for all you do 🙏

[@jillianpw9789]

@@DestineyAmerie It makes you wonder, right? They literally stalled at every thing that came up!! 🤬 Justice needs to be served!

[@NadaBaybee]

Kendall, I pray that God continues to bless you. you don’t understand how much that means to that family. I’m literally in tears while I write this. I am so thankful that there are people like you on this planet that is willing to go out your way to make sure that the story is out there. You are nothing but a blessing and I’m so thankful that this family was able to tell their story.

[@heyitsalannaluv]

Same 😢🙏❤️ justice for jelani!

[@TheSweetLife08]

Petition is so close to meeting the goal!! Thank you Kendall for your commitment to amplifying voices. Justice for the Day family 🩵

[@briellejade._]

his mom talking about him made me tear up. I can’t even imagine being in his families situation, this whole case is heartbreaking.

[@zoellouiseallen]

I pray he & his family get justice ❤️ i adore your channel, thank you for spreading awareness about these cases. His mother is absolutely beautiful 🙏🏻

[@lalaluxxx3]

I encourage everyone to look into the Alexis Gabe case. She still desperately needs justice! Please like this comment so that Kendall will see. Justice and more national attention for Jelani’s case as well. So sad.

[@annalisegiovanni7032]

Yeah & now the thug that murdered her is DEAD AS WELL.... (I should say the thug that "allegedly" murdered her🙄)

[@panicatthebrunch550]

Kendall has a submission forum for case requests. Hopefully she sees this comment but if not you might wanna try submitting it to her forum. Justice for Alexis!

[@lalaluxxx3]

@@panicatthebrunch550thank you! I did, just trying to spread more awareness.

[@OfficalMaryScott]

@@lalaluxxx3Kendall has a case suggestion form in the description so you submit it

[@V3ganBr33]

It's not popular enough. These days it feels like only big name cases are worthy of coverage here. Even though I have requested she cover Morgan Bauer for YEARS and she never even looked at it, now that it made national headlines, mark my words, she'll cover it. Get more clicks and money that way.

[@bccc6745]

This just infuriates me how LITTLE coverage he got... I heard so much about the Gabby Petito case and until this day, this is the first I'm hearing about this case. It's so heartbreaking how POC are disregarded by authority and the media. 😔

[@Ixe2077]

Wdym? He's on the news

[@Ixe2077]

I looked the case up cause it showed up today

[@kevinpatrickcarey3741]

lol because we dont live in a woke world,

[@emeelyflores9158]

@@kevinpatrickcarey3741you’re a miserable person I hope you seek help

[@jordynnl1813]

I live in the same area as Jelani and my brother goes to ISU. This story is so terrifying to me and so close to home and I am so glad that you are continuing to cover this case. Because truly it was completely overshadowed by Gabby Petito. The only people who spread the word about this case I felt like were locals and now, really no one talks about it anymore. I think about it every single day and just really wanna say thank you for continuing to cover it and continuing to bring comfort to this family.

[@eeeemmmmm]

This hurts my heart. He would’ve made a great SLP! As someone who stutters and was made fun of as a kid, it is amazing that he wanted to help in that way ❣️

[@Xelnalia]

When his mom was telling stories about him, I couldn't help but smile and laugh along as she talked about him. Made me feel like I really knew him and gave me some insight on how bright he shined and the love he brought into their lives. This case genuinely breaks my heart. There needs to be justice for Jelani.

[@jackthequeen11]

This story is absolutely heartbreaking. It's so disturbing how neglected this case was by the authorities. This young man had so much to look forward to in life. Such a tragedy. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. Appreciate all that you do for all of these stories that need a voice. Praying this family gets answers and closure,

[@k3ls3yyk3ls]

I loved hearing Jelani’s mom talk about how he called her all the time 🥺. What a beautiful relationship they had and what a tragedy this is 💔

[@laynebarry1792]

as someone whose partner attended ISU when this case happened; it still bothers me to this day how little the police cared about Jelani. so glad you’re covering this case again 💕

[@fancyme.alter1311]

What a great set of parents. How sad for them and the siblings as well as all the people that had not met this young man. What a great loss to us all.

[@l.m.l3337]

Well said ❤️‍🩹

[@Lucy-xz6yj]

What a tender interview with Jelani's Mamma.....Your interviewing style is so very professional and I appreciate that you truly listen.... My very best to this family.....Jelani was loved....❤

[@gbwater7460]

hearing his mom talk was absolutely heartwrenching. such a good son, praying for any healing ❤️

[@nanigirl413]

If it weren't for his mom no search would have been done

[@DanceLouisDance]

The people saying it was an accidental drowning... That still doesnt explain why his car was an hour away in some random town with the license plates removed, and why he skipped class.

[@mylifeaszoey2335]

This! It just doesn’t make sense. If his intent was just to go swimming, why would he go on that random hour away adventure so close to when he had class and his advising appointment? He was in grad school so skipping class for no good reason would have gotten him removed from the program.

[@Okkkkayyy]

You can tell he was a beautiful soul and deserves so much more. I'm so sorry for the family I can't imagine the heartache. We stand with you ❤

[@gabyleon9241]

Just signed the petition, I’m completely astounded at police incompetence and utter rudeness toward this family and many others during missing person investigations. My heart goes out to Jelani’s beautiful family, no one deserves this💔 RIP Jelani

[@sktkoxo]

Listening to his mom and the love in her voice when she described how he always called her and nagged her… how he said he just wanted to hear her voice, and her face said it all. I am heartbroken for her losing one of her babies. Absolutely tragic.

[@rebeccacrash9272]

Jelani's mother talking about how he would call just to say hi or hear her voice brought tears to my eyes. He sounds like such an amazing young man. My heart goes out to his family and I pray they will get justice for Jelani.

[@Jamieldance78]

This breaks my heart and makes me so angry. You can tell this is such a good, strong, loving family who cooperated and did so much to get answers. To be so disregarded, disrespected, and mistreated when their family member was killed is so unacceptable and a complete injustice. My love and prayers go to this family. Strength in numbers - you have a large community behind you now and always.

[@nycolecampbell236]

Can feel the hurt and pain in her voice. Condolences to the family and what they have had to go through 🤍 hugs and prayers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@jillybeans70]

My son was on campus when Jelani went missing. We live close to ISU and when my son came home, he mentioned to me about Jelani being missing first thing when he walked in the door. He was concerned, and my heart sank. I just can’t even imagine. And the mishandling of the case from there is appalling. My heart goes out to the family, and I pray justice is served.

[@alybbybeauty]

I went to Illinois state university when this happened and I’m so happy you’re bringing awareness back to the case.

[@thamaretienne5995]

I am new to this channel but all I can say is I am truly happy that you are not just covering cases but you are also taking actions. 👏🏾

[@DeathWhisper07]

This is so sad. I love his family, I love their closeness. These wonderful parents are raising such amazing children. This young man, would have made such a huge difference in our society. He truly wanted to help people. He wanted to take care of his family. The same way they took care of him. He had such big dreams, and I know he would have accomplished whatever he wanted. Jalani had an amazing smile, he looked so kind and fun. This is so tragic. He was someone, he was loved, he was someone’s son, friend, brother, future husband and father. I send this family so much love!! ❤

[@terridemaio2926]

GLAD FOR YOUR CONTINUED COVERAGE ON THIS HOPE ANSWERS COME SOON

[@briacarter4120]

He loved his mom sooo much ❤

[@KendallRae]

He did 💔

[@NoirValkyrie]

Kendall, thank you so much for shinning a light on the cases in our community. We're often ignored not just in this country but worldwide. So many people claim(ed) to be "ally's" but once it wasn't popular anymore, so many KZbinrs, influencers, politicians, companies, and brands that said they'd do better never did or as I stated, their support fizzled out when it wasn't front line news. You're truly an amazing, true, kind-hearted person and I'm thankful that people like you exists. We appreciate you. Truly. It hurts that this is our reality as Black people in this country and as someone who went through something similar in my own family, I have so much empathy for Jelani and his family. Jelani seemed like an amazing person and he could've done so much for the world. What a devastating loss.

[@professormph]

You provide such a critical platform for so many families to get their story out to the public. And you do it with compassion, empathy and calls to action. I think what I appreciate most, though, is that you do all this without click bait and you use your talents, as well as the talents of others, to collaborate, fundraise and sell merchandise.

[@eanderson981]

What an amazing family. The strength of Jelani’s mother is striking. I pray Jelani’s family and their whole community gets to know the truth about what happened to him very soon. God Bless you all

[@vickypalacios2519]

I just saw his mom post on the FB page about how it’s already been two years since the worst day of her life . My heart goes out to Jelani and his family 💖

[@SharAziz]

Signed the petition, followed the social media accounts. This case is horrific and the disparities are clear as day. I hope Jelani and the Day family see justice soon. ACAB.

[@tarynburton7585]

Wow this video really touched me, my grandfather and dad passed 8 years apart ruled as “accidental drowning” but there was weird transactions on my fathers bank account that police never followed up on….. every days a struggle and I just know something happened to them… I find comfort in knowing I’m not alone

[@cindywannamaker5299]

The police action is ridiculous. Shame on them! What this awesome young man could have given society so much. What a beautiful example of what a family should be. I've followed this case from the beginning. It makes me so angry that the police just ignored this missing person case!

[@amytaylor3779]

Love hearing about how he was with his mom. Sounds like he had such a sweet heart and loved his family so much. Reminded me of my oldest son. 😢 I’m just so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏼

[@Ligmagushe]

This case touched me the first time I heard you talk about it I followed them in their fb page. It’s been heart breaking to see how awful the family has been treated on the hardest time of their life’s.

[@NayaBarcelona]

I truly respect you for always trying to reach out to families of the victims. I know that this meant a lot to Jelani’s family, and it’s amazing what you do.

[@v1nnys]

I truly can't help but tear up and cry thinking about Jelani and his family. My heart is so completely broken for them. Thank you for keeping his story at the top of our minds through all of your channels, Kendall.

[@KCBfly25]

Is it possible this is a hate crime, committed by someone in that sun down town?

[@JenniferJohnson-ch1hq]

Jelani sounds like a mamas dream of a son. I remember when he went missing. I remember being so upset his case wasn’t getting the attention it needed. My heart breaks for his mama. I hope Jelani gets justice. 💙

[@jenniferkinnaird-estrada8815]

What a wonderful young man. Super smart, super talented and athletic, and his family seems super wonderful and supportive. I cannot believe his light was squelched out so early 😢

[@j4d7s8]

I look at this case and look at Gabby Petito’s case could not be more different with regard to how they were handled by law enforcement. That’s a damn shame. His phone could be be a portal into what happened to him and I’m dumbfounded as to why they won’t let his mother take a look. She knows him best and could probably interpret something that law enforcement may not. Such a shame.

[@MsDenequa21]

Crazy how this case was in 2021 but I swear it feels like this occurred last year. Prayers to the family. A case I won’t forget 😔🙏🏾

[@Catsaresupreme]

RIP to this young man. You truly do care and handle each story with care and dignity. Side note: your kitty it’s adorable. 😊

[@chlorufr]

Thank you for covering this- I went to high school with Jelani and all of his siblings. He was always such a happy and pleasant person to talk to, and there have been similar cases within the Central IL area that apparently our PD isn't concerned about looking into. He is the second person I have known that has passed away in almost the exact same way and it doesn't feel right. I hope one day the family will get justice for Jelani.

[@lovemecrazy17]

The world really lost a beautiful soul in him! Thank you for continuing to share is story and asking for this to get more coverage. I truly pray this family finds peace. Hopefully, this tragedy will be solved. My heart goes out to them all.

[@rebeccacacho8600]

Thank you for continuing to cover this story. This young man deserves justice.

[@_deebyrd]

Born and raised in Bloomington and it’s so painful to hear about this case that’s so close to know. I truly believe foul play was involved and I pray by some miracle, the truth comes to light so that the family can receive their understanding.

[@jennjames1977]

Thank You For Helping With this! I Live In The Area & Nothing Has Been In The Local News, Since The Body Was Found!! Praying For Family & Friends!!

[@helenoharawhite7704]

My kindest thought and prayers to the whole family. Justice is overdue and you all deserve the truth & answers. I'm so sorry this has happened ♡♡♡

[@Ariana-hx9oc]

The way Jelani’s case was handled/mishandled by the police boils my blood. I can’t imagine what his family feels. They deserve justice!

[@ashleywashington5383]

OMG! so happy you revisited. you are so appreciated. My heart breaks for his mom and family.

[@reignonyx]

I normally don’t cry from listening to cases, I balled my eyes out hearing his mother talk about JJ, absolutely heartbreaking.

[@katet8812]

He went missing from my town, just a few miles from me. I really appreciate you covering his story and getting the word out about his very tragic and untimely demise

[@arimommy10]

Thank you for sharing this case not only on your channel but Mile Higher. The people in charge of this case need to be pressured.

[@yesseniacorlett1000]

Man this story breaks my heart

[@md-oj7pd]

That family put me in tears. Thank you for sharing those links so I can try and help as much as I can. This isn't fair to this family and all families going through this who never gets the support they deserve.

[@katinatilghman3274]

What his mother has gone through makes me sick. I purchased a t-shirt and signed the petition. I am so sorry for your loss and in awe of your determination. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@melissareed1400]

This mother and family are truly amazing. You can tell he was loved and always be. Pray they find justice 🙏🙏 such a heartbreaking story.

[@josephinajbloonsk]

This is why I watch true crime content. It is so important to remember the victims that were taken too soon and to think of their family, who will live with the pain forever. I’m so so sorry to the family.

[@cassi94]

Thank you for always standing up for these families and providing them a platform. Your soul is honestly beautiful and your empathy is staggering

[@989898shadow]

I feel so much frustration hearing this case and the lack of police work, can't even imagine what the family must feel.. sending so much love their way

[@ashlynonline]

the lack of polices help could have been even more dangerous for Jelani’s family for them to have to search for him in a sundown town alone… that could’ve resulted in them getting harmed just searching for Jelani… so disgusting they had to go through this and possibly be afraid they could get hurt themselves. Justice for Jelani and his family

[@andreajones4209]

Thanks for bringing my attention to this case, have signed and shared the petition.I pray the family get justice xx

[@taylorware7160]

Thank you so much for doing this story Kendall!! This is close to my hometown and doesn’t get enough coverage