Marcus Edwards did not live to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, but the D.C. police department honored him after his death.
The Metropolitan Police Department named Edwards an honorary officer at his funeral Tuesday at Judah Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Mitchelville, Maryland.
The 21-year-old Morgan State University student died Sept. 19 after he was stabbed off campus in Baltimore, police said. He was attacked about a mile north of campus about 10:30 p.m.
MPD Interim Police Chief Peter Newsham spoke at the Junior Police Academy graduate's funeral.
"Marcus's life, though admittedly short, was a life committed to achievement, a life committed to leadership and, most importantly, a life committed to helping others," Newsham said to an overflow crowd.
Edwards, who grew up in D.C., was studying social work and planned to become a police officer when he graduated. He volunteered every summer at the 2nd District station. He also worked at the U.S. Mint, which also named him an honorary officer.
"Everything he did, he did with passion and he did with happiness," a former classmate said.
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Former police academy instructor Yvonne Smith called for empathy between officers and youth.
"When you see an officer, picture that to be Marcus -- Officer Edwards. And, officers, when you see a young brother or sister, picture that to be the internal part of Marcus Edwards," she said to applause.
Edwards' killing remains under investigation. His wallet and cellphone remained with him after the attack, his mother said.
Loved ones are raising money for funeral expenses via a GoFundMe page. Edwards is survived by his mother and five younger siblings, the page says.
