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SARTELL, Minn. (AP) — The North Dakota State University student found slain in Moorhead was laid to rest Monday as authorities search for his killer.
About 1,250 mourners attended a funeral Mass for 18-year-old Thomas Bearson at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in his hometown of Sartell.
Family and friends remembered Bearson's humor, caring personality and love for athletics, the St. Cloud Times (http://on.sctimes.com/YCHGAl) reported.
"We've tried desperately to make sense of this tragedy," Bearson's father, Greg Bearson, told mourners. "The only thing we can come up with is the basketball team in heaven needed a point guard."
Thomas Bearson's body was found Tuesday outside a recreational vehicle store in Moorhead. The Ramsey County medical examiner's office says Bearson died as the "result of homicidal violence."
Police say Bearson had last been seen at a party early on Sept. 20 in Fargo, North Dakota, about six blocks from his dorm. NDSU officials are encouraging students to walk with others on and off campus at night.
Police have made no arrests and have no suspects or motive, Moorhead Police Lt. Tory Jacobson said Monday.
Authorities are asking for the public's help to locate Bearson's cellphone and a shoe. Police described the missing items as a white Nike Air Jordan left-foot tennis shoe, size 9 1/2, and a silver iPhone 5.
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Information from: St. Cloud Times, http://www.sctimes.com
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