News

Actions

Family of Ashanti Billie to launch foundation in daughter’s name

Posted at 1:26 PM, Oct 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-02 19:03:56-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The family of Ashanti Billie made a statement Monday evening outside of the Art Institute of Virginia Beach about what's next for their family.

Ashanti's parents told News 3 they are working to create The Ashanti Foundation, which will be part of a scholarship fund for culinary arts students and a way to remember other missing people.

Ashanti Billie was a student at the Art Institute of Virginia Beach. She moved to the Resort City from Maryland in August to enroll at the school. A spokesperson for the campus tells News 3 there are resources available to students who may be suffering from the tragic news of Ashanti's death. They released this following statement to News 3 on Monday.

"The Art Institute of Virginia Beach is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of student, Ashanti Billie. Our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences are extended to Ashanti’s family and friends."

According to FBI officials, no one has been arrested in Ashanti's death. Her body was found behind a church in North Carolina over the weekend.

Related links:

FBI confirms body found in North Carolina is missing Virginia Beach woman; Parents make statement

FBI, Blimpie offering $20K for information leading to missing Virginia Beach woman's location 

FBI releases video of missing Virginia Beach woman's car entering, exiting JEB Little Creek

Prayer service for missing woman at Virginia Beach Town Center

Police find car belonging to missing 19-year-old Ashanti Billie

Virginia Beach Police searching for woman missing under suspicious circumstances