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Mourners Gather For Funeral Of Murdered NIU Student

GLENWOOD (CBS) -- Mourners gathered for a wake and funeral service for a NIU student who was shot dead last week.

A massive crowd filled the Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood to say goodbye to Steven Agee.

The 22-year-old senior was shot to death at an off campus party after police say he got into an argument with a non-student who showed up at the party.

Tanya and Earlean Jackson were among those who came to pay their respects, CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports. They've known Steven for most of his life.

"I miss him deeply," Tanya Jackson said. "Steven was not only a neighbor of mine for over 15 years … he was like family. He grew up with my nephews. He was a great person."

"I just can't explain it; it's just so hurtful," said Earlean Jackson. The mourners also included members of Agee's NIU fraternity, where Agee was president.

Chaz Thrailkill has been charged with murdering Agee.

Police arrested him in a car about eight hours after the shooting. Thrailkill was not a NIU student.

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