Friends, family grapple with loss of homicide victim

Fuller(pictured at far right) and his children Cierra and Ethan/Submitted photo

UPDATE: Thomas Fuller Burial fund locations have been set up inside both Terre Haute Walmarts at Woodforest Bank. 
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Friends and family are grieving the cold-blooded murder of Terre Haute resident Thomas "Pete" Fuller lll, as police search for his alleged killer.

Fuller's aunt, Charlene Crum, says the news of the 33-year-old's sudden death came as a shock to the family.

"We're still in shock; he didn't deserve to die," she said.

The wanted murder suspect, Buddy Ellinger, 41, also of Terre Haute, is eluding police as the homicide investigation continues.

 Meanwhile, the family of the young father grapples with the recent loss.

"It's just hard on everyone,' Crum said. She added that Fuller's mother, Penny Lanham Burris, is especially  grief-stricken.

Cheryl Nasser, another aunt, explained that Fuller left behind two children, Cierra Fuller, 15, and Ethan Fuller, 3 - 4; three brothers: Chris, William and Tyler Fuller; a sister, Carla Rachelle Bealmer; and many  other family members.

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​"Thomas has a nickname that his grandmother called him since he was very little, 'Pete.' "everyone who knows him, knows this name," Nasser said, adding he liked to spend time with his kids and his family. "He enjoyed fishing with his brother, Chris, and mushroom hunting. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends -- and he had a lot of friends."

As they cope with tragedy, they share special memories with one another.

"People loved Pete, he was funny and fun to be around. He could make you laugh
even if you didn't feel like it.  He will be sadly missed," Nasser said. "This was a sudden and tragic death and there are no funds to cover his funeral. Family and friends want a chance to tell their loved one farewell."

Funeral services are pending at Greiner Funeral Home on North 13th Street.  Donations to his memorial fund can be made at the funeral home. 

Detectives say Fuller was shot dead early Friday morning at a southside apartment. Members of the Terre Haute Police and Fire Department were dispatched to 1988  23rd ½   Drive at the Greenwood Manor Apartment complex in reference to a reported shooting at 1:42 a.m. 

Call the Terre Haute Police Department at 812-238-1661 or Crime Stoppers at 812-238-STOP with any information that can lead to justice in this case. Continue to follow Indiana Central News for updates on this story.

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http://www.indianacentralnews.com/news-for-vigo-and-surrounding-area/manhunt-underway-for-greenwood-manor-murder-suspect

http://www.indianacentralnews.com/news-for-vigo-and-surrounding-area/terre-haute-police-investigating-homicide