Three years later, mother still searching for answers in son’s death

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - Loved ones and others in the community came together Sunday evening to honor 26-year-old Jabari Mbwelera.

Those who attended gathered beside the Maumee River on Anthony Boulevard and Berry Street.

Kathryn Mbwelera, Jabari’s mother hosted a memorial event called “meet me at the river observance day of the 3rd year disappearance of Jabari”

He went missing three years ago on January 16th of 2019. Four months after he was reported missing his body was found in the Maumee River in Defiance County, Ohio.

“Let people remember let them feel what I feel that every time I cross this bridge I just cringe,” she said.

She says he was funny and loved so many people.

“My heart grieves every day. My doctor told me I suffer from broken heart syndrome,” she said.

She told Fort Wayne’s NBC News according to the coroner report he was thrown in the Maumee River and he was dead when he hit the water. His body floated 50 miles down the river into Defiance County, Ohio where police found him.

She says they still don’t know exactly what happened.

“I do thank god that I was able to retrieve my son back, even though he was dead that was heartbreaking but I’d rather have him as I have him now than not have found him,” she said.

Family, community members, and Jabari’s pastor gathered and held hands to say a prayer.

“I said Jabari, this is for you. You’re not forgotten. It’s tough it’s really tough,” she said.

The reward for any information, in this case, is $5000. If you know anything contact the police.

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