Hundreds attend vigil for slain IU prof

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - A candlelight vigil was held in downtown Bloomington New Year’s day to honor a slain Indiana University professor.

Several hundred people turned out for the vigil. They lit candles and stood in silence lining the sidewalk of the square to remember the murdered professor.

Friends, co-workers, and even complete strangers say they felt the vigil was necessary to show the community does not stand for such violence.

Investigators said 25-year-old Michael Griffin stabbed Don Belton multiple times inside Belton’s Bloomington home during a fight.

Court documents said Griffin told police Belton sexually assaulted the suspect last week and Griffin confronted Belton about it on Monday.

According to police, Griffin used a military weapon known as a peace keeper to commit the murder.

Friends said Belton’s death came as a shock to everyone because he was such a beloved member of the community.

“I think it’s important to show the community he was an extremely well liked person both academically and generally,” said Rae Greiner, Belton’s friend.

Friends say they don’t believe Griffin’s accusation that Belton sexually assaulted him.

Griffin has pleaded not guilty to the murder.