Local event promoter killed

Friends say they 'wish it was a dream'

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Thursday, Nov. 10 — Multiple gunshots outside of a downtownentertainment venue early Thursday morning left one man dead and a communitymourning, sources who knew the victim say.

Police have identified the victim as Ygnacio Bermudez Jr.,35, the Lansing State Journal reports. Police responded to “numerous calls ofshots fired” this morning at about 2:15 a.m. near The Loft, 414 E. MichiganAve., where they found a “man lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshotwounds to his torso,” according to the LSJ.

Bermudez, who went by the nickname “Notch,” was hosting anevent at The Loft called “State of the Union Hip Hop Showcase” when he waskilled, a friend of Bermudez’s told City Pulse today. The friend asked not tobe identified out of personal safety.

Bermudez’s friend and two others placed flowers outside ofthe venue this morning in remembrance of the man they called “big teddy bear.”None of them were present at the shooting.

“He was trying to get Lansing to see Lansing,” the friendsaid. “He was proud of anybody doing something and staying off the streets.”

According to the group, Bermudez hosted multiple eventsthroughout Lansing to promote local talent and the city itself. This was thethird time the State of the Union event had taken place at The Loft. The eventgives local rappers a chance to showcase their music on a stage.

The three friends first met Bermudez about two years ago andhave been attending his events and supporting him ever since. Bermudez alsoorganized a comedy event called Chocolate Ha Ha, which featured localcomedians. The next show was scheduled for Sunday.

The friend said Bermudez had a “positive mind,” volunteeredregularly and worked to stop violence and keep people off the streets.

A second source, who also asked to not be identified forsafety reasons, said Bermudez was very friendly and had a great sense of humor.He supported anyone trying to make a name for themselves and would often offerto help people with money, a ride or anything else, the source said.

The group added that Bermudez regularly gave back at theSalvation Army and was planning a food drive event later this month for thefourth consecutive year.

Bermudez leaves behind a wife, Anitra Hernandez, and asix-year-old son Elijah, sources say.

“It’s just a really sad day today. I wish it was all adream,” Bermudez’s friend said.

MLive.com reports Lansing police officers are seeking anarrest warrant, but that they “know who did it and are on the suspect’s trail.”

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