PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — Dozens of friends and family members of Lanard "LA" Curtaindoll gathered in Pontiac Saturday night to celebrate his life.
The 41-year-old went missing in November. Wednesday, a film crew discovered his body in a field near Gillespie and Lake in Pontiac, where Curtaindoll is from.
“It’s been a long rough five months," said LaToya White, mother to Curtaindoll's children.
The father of six was shot once in the chest according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. His body was covered by branches, detectives believe intentionally.
His death is now being investigated as a homicide. Detectives believe he was killed shortly after he went missing.
Curtaindoll’s brother said when he first went missing, he knew something was wrong.
"He’s not leaving his family," Nykaji Curtaindoll said of his older brother.
During Saturday's vigil, loved ones prayed and shared memories, which for White center around their children.
“(I) Just (miss) him being a loving father," she said. "Supporting his kids and always being there for them. I’m going to miss that support. We’ve missed him these last few months and it’s been rough.”
There was also a call for action, in hopes of finding the person responsible for Curtaindoll's death.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that could help law enforcement should contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or call the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.
