PALMETTO, Fla.-- More than a week after he was shot and killed at his North Port home, hundreds turned out to remember a Manatee County teacher Wednesday night.
Though police say they're working more than a dozen leads, still no arrests have been made in the murder of Ken Ellis, a tae kwon do instructor at the Manatee County School for the Arts in Palmetto.
At the Manatee County Convention Center on Wednesday, former students and friends described him as much more than just a teacher.
"He was my best friend. My mentor," said Desiree Santiago.
Another called him "a hero" and "inspiration."
At the memorial, Ellis' son, Steve, spoke publicly for the first time.
"He was a great person. He was a great father," Ellis said, while telling the crowd his father considered them family as well.
Even on this night, though, students say they can't stop thinking about who would want to kill Ellis or why.
"I want to know exactly what happened," said Peter Theophiloplulos.
Donation boxes were set up at the service to help build the reward.
More than $1,000 was raised on Wednesday, adding to the $1,000 already being offered by Crime Stoppers.
"He didn't deserve to die. Not like this," Santiago said.
Detectives say they still don't know if the killing was random, if Ellis was targeted, or if it's a case of mistaken identity.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS.
Adam Freeman