Funeral arrangements have been set for Anitra Gunn, the 23-year-old Fort Valley State University student whose disappearance and death has rocked Middle Georgia.
The homecoming service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at at Greater Peace Baptist Church in Opelika, Ala.
Gunn went missing on Feb 14 and her remains were discovered Feb. 18. Her body was found covered with sticks in woods a few miles from her home, following a days-long search involving police and firefighters from numerous jurisdictions. The senior communications major graduated from Fulton County’s Westlake High School and had family in Alabama.
Her boyfriend, DeMarcus Little, a 23-year-old U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Gordon, has been charged with malice murder in her death. Little had previously been charged with criminal damage to property stemming from a Feb. 5 incident that left Anitra Gunn's windows smashed and her tires slashed.
Little was granted $10,000 bond on that charge Friday afternoon, hours before a news conference to announce the additional charge. The GBI has ruled the death a homicide but said the cause of death is pending toxicology results.
While announcing the charge Friday afternoon, Todd Crosby, the assistant special agent in charge of the GBI’s Perry office, declined to give any details about why Little was charged or other aspects of the case. In the coming weeks, Little will likely have a preliminary hearing where a detective will testify about the evidence.
In the meantime, the family is preparing to say to goodbye to the college student, who is recalled by friends as a personable and kind soul. Friends, neighbors and coworkers gathered to remember her last week at the downtown Fort Valley restaurant where she was a server.
Christopher Gunn, who has asked for prayers and privacy as his family mourns his daughter, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to accept donations toward funeral and burial expenses.
“The ray of sunshine and the apple of our eye gained her heavenly wings,” the site reads. “Although we have so many unanswered questions, we are trusting in God thru it all. We are so THANKFUL for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from all over the country.”
Anitra Gunn’s death is another tragedy for the family.
Her mother, Melissa Shearhouse, died in 2014, when her daughter was in high school. Shearhouse, 35, wrecked her car while negotiating a curve one day outside of Opeika, a police report said. For a later Mother’s Day, Anitra Gunn posted a photo of her mom’s grave on Facebook, with a note: “It’s not at all the same without you, but I feel your presence. That’s all I need.”
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