The makeshift memorial was created by family, friends, classmates, and community members to honor the Southeast Valley High School junior who was murdered on Sunday.

“I just wanted to do something for the family,” said Southeast Valley High School senior Levi Collier, who was a classmate of Jackson.

Collier placed flowers on the swing frequented by Jackson on Wednesday afternoon, and said that he plans to create a plaque with her name on it yet this week in welding class “to ensure that her spirit remains.”

Family members watched and later added to the memorial.

-Photo by Julie Vinsand
Residents from Farnhamville, Gowrie, and surrounding communities packed into the First United Church in Farnhamville Wednesday evening to brainstorm and assign ways to support Michele “Luna” Jackson’s family.

Wednesday evening Farnhamville residents along with community members from neighboring Gowrie also came together to brainstorm and assign ways to support Jackson’s family including meal trains, upcoming fundraisers, and even future art projects to honor her life. A fund has also been established at Security Savings Bank in Farnhamville for her family.

“My heart hurts for all involved in this week’s tragedy,” said Farnhamville Mayor Troy Jepsen. “I hurt for this family that has to endure this. I’ve tried to make sense of it, but it’s absolutely senseless. One of our youths was taken from us way too early, before she was able to fully make her mark on the world.”

Jackson was reported missing Sunday night by her mother when she didn’t return from her nightly visit to the park. Her body was found Monday morning.

Nathaniel K. Bevers-McGivney, 21, of Gowrie, was arrested Sunday and on Tuesday was charged in Calhoun County court with first-degree murder in Jackson’s death. He is currently being held in the Carroll County Jail.

According to criminal complaints filed against him by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Bevers-McGivney “deliberately and premeditatedly cut the throat (of the victim) with a knife with the specific intent to kill.”

-Photo by Julie Vinsand
Flowers, bracelets, and memorial notes adorn the swingset at the Farnhamville City Park where Michele “Luna” Jackson loved to swing each night.

Bevers-McGivney’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Rockwell City.

His bail has been set at $1 million.

Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney