Friends: Owens a Hero for Saving Family in Deadly Shooting
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JACKSON, Tenn.- Friends of Markel Owens said his actions during Wednesday night’s deadly shooting were heroic. Loved ones say he lost his life protecting his mother and younger brother. “He loved his mom and he loved his family,” Owens’ girlfriend of more than five years, Taylore Batchelor, said. “I knew if it came to that point he would do whatever it took to protect his family.” Police say gunmen forced their way in to the home and killed his stepfather, Johnny Shivers, in front of him. Investigators believe he was fighting with one of the suspects when he was shot. “It cost him his life but Markel would not have been able to live if his mom would have died,” best friend, Jauwon Cain, said. Friends told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that Owens was more than a hero in death, and an inspiration to everyone he knew. “There’s a standard that everyone sets and he always set it higher than that,” Isaiah Johnson said. “He’s my hero, and he will always be my hero,” Bachelor said. Owens was set to graduate from Arkansas State University this spring. Friends say he hoped to play in the NFL and coach football after school. Funeral arrangements for Owens have not been released.
