They gathered for an evening memorial service, lit candles in Lovelady's memory, and praised the good works that stemmed from his death at Graffiti's nightclub. A Polk County jury acquitted bouncers Jeff Portman and Tom Dueber on Monday for their role in Lovelady's death after deliberating for about nine hours. Ministers asked the crowd of 30 to teach their children about Lovelady's intelligence and goals. Speaking for the family, Jane Hughes said the family decided to put their pain in God's hands.
Justice comes in all forms.
Showing the way Despite the family's devastation that the bouncers will not be held accountable for the struggle that killed Lovelady, Hughes said they would show the younger family members the proper way to handle their emotions. You don't retaliate to get your way. His mother, LaToya, and grandmother, Joann Hughes, listened intently as community leaders spoke about showing faith in God by staying positive and working toward change in the community. Adin Davis, a member of the Concerned Citizens for Justice, praised Des Moines' African Americans. He complimented their peaceful reaction to Lovelady's death and the bouncers' acquittal.