ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. — The family of the middle school student who was found dead on Christmas Day is seeking answers.
Family and friends of 14-year-old Vensly Maxime held signs and wore white shirts with his picture on it, demanding justice in front of Crestwood Middle school in Royal Palm Beach.
It was part of a march for justice for Maxime with the aim of getting answers on just what happened and how to prevent another tragedy.
People who live across from the school where the teen was a student took part as well.
“It’s important for his friends and family to know that his community is there for him,” said neighbor Ashly Woosypiti.
The family is still wanting answers on what may have led up to the teenager’s death.
Maxime was first reported missing last week and his body was found on Christmas Day in the retention pond.
The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office and the sheriff’s office said foul play is not suspected, and the teen may have suffered a medical episode prior to entering the water but drowning was not a factor.
RELATED: Teen found dead in retention pond may have suffered medical episode
However, the family isn’t convinced and wishes swifter action would have taken place.
“If they do their intervention quickly, he would be here with us, or maybe he would be in the hospital or something could have happened,” said Louisena Hercule, Maxime’s aunt. “There’s no such thing as he has a medical problem. So, from the distance, how did he get to the water?”
Maxime’s family said they helped search for him when he went missing and couldn't find him until on Christmas Day but say something doesn’t add up.
“I feel like someone killed him and placed him in a couple days, because we came everyday,” said Hercule.
“Days later, I found him in the lake,” said Yvenel Clermont, Maxime's uncle. “For you not to tell me that he did not drown. So, how come if someone had a medical episode and got himself into the lake, so how did that happen?”
Questions this family hopes will soon be answered.
There is an online fundraiser to help the family with the funeral costs. Click here to help.
