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Family Creates Foundation For Slain Sartell Student

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The family of a murdered college student is keeping his memory alive as the investigation into finding his killer takes a new turn.

It's been eight months since police found Tom Bearson's body in Moorhead.

The 18 year old had only been at North Dakota State University for a month when he was murdered.

The support hasn't slowed for a family still grieving.

Deb Bearson told WCCO about how she has received Mother's Day cards from strangers all week.

"Mother's Day cards from people I didn't even know. Wow," Deb said.

Deb and her husband, Greg, now want to share it with others.

"To give back some of that love and compassion that we've been so fortunate to have received ourselves," Greg said.

The Tom Bearson Foundation will raise money for scholarships and increase basketball participation and opportunities for kids in Sartell.

The foundation will offer four scholarships a year; two will go to two female seniors and two to two male seniors.

"I think it's a good way to keep his memory alive through the sport he loved," Greg said.

Tom was a standout player for the Sabres. He helped to lead the team to their first state tournament.

"We're just trying to find a better way to deal with what happened to our wonderful son," Greg said.

The Bearsons are still waiting to learn who killed Tom. But they believe police are closer to finding out.

Investigators from Fargo visited Sartell to do interviews this week. Police wouldn't say who they were talking to, but asked those connected to the case for cooperation.

"We've waited long enough. Somebody needs to step forward," Deb said. "Give us closure, let us know."

There will be a golf tournament fundraiser for the foundation on August 22 in Sartell.

Click here for more information.

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