Jina Anne Reyes, a 35-year-old resident of Lawrence, was fatally stabbed behind the former VFW building on Massachusetts Street this past Friday.

Jina Anne Reyes, a 35-year-old resident of Lawrence, was fatally stabbed behind the former VFW building on Massachusetts Street this past Friday. A mother to a daughter and a son, she was celebrated for her creativity and her artistic spirit—she spent many hours drawing and aspired to become a tattoo artist. Her obituary shares that “Her creativity was a defining feature of her character… She truly embodied life and enjoying being here in the moment, wore her heart on her sleeve and befriended everyone.”Bitly

Jina was also a proud member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, originally from Rapid City, South Dakota, and she attended school both there and in Hiawatha, Kansas.Bitly

A 63-year-old man, known to Jina, has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder and is currently held without bond at the Douglas County jail as prosecutors review the case.Bitly

To honor her memory, the family is planning a gathering:

• When: Sunday, August 31, at 1 p.m.

• Where: Fire circle west of the auditorium at Haskell Indian Nations University
  This event is intended to allow the community to come together, share blessings, and send Jina on her journey to the spirit world.Bitly

The family has also established an online fundraiser to assist with funeral and burial expenses:

• GoFundMe: “Help us honor Jina’s memory”Bitly

If you’d like, I can help you craft a message to share the fundraiser and memorial details in a way that is thoughtful and respectful.

Here’s a concise summary you could use or adapt:

In Memoriam – Jina Anne Reyes (1989–2025)

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Jina Anne Reyes, a beloved mother, aspiring tattoo artist, and radiant spirit in our community. Jina was tragically killed in Lawrence on Friday, August 29. Her creativity and warmth touched many lives—she truly lived in the moment, befriending everyone she met.

Community memorial gathering:
Sunday, August 31, at 1 p.m., at the fire circle west of the auditorium at Haskell Indian Nations University. Please join the family in sharing stories, blessings, and farewells.

A GoFundMe, titled “Help us honor Jina’s memory”, has been created to help cover funeral and burial costs. Your support—whether through sharing, donation, or attending the gathering—means the world to those grieving her sudden loss.

Forever remembered. Forever missed.