On the 10th anniversary, mother speaks about the death of her son

LANSING, Michigan (WLNS) — Brandon Mitchner was only 22 years old when he was found dead in the Grand River after a night of partying.

Saturday, June 29, marked the tenth anniversary of the tragedy. His mother, Shirley Mitchner, is still searching for answers.

Mitchner said her son Brandon was a happy, friendly person who loved to dance. But he was too trusting, she said.

On the tenth anniversary of her son’s death, Mitchner hopes someone will reveal what happened that night.

“Ten years and no answers,” said Shirley.

She remembered the last day she saw Brandon. On June 28, 2014, Mitchner said, Brandon was riding on a party bus to a birthday. Before Brandon left, Shirley gave him some advice.

“‘Don’t trust anyone, you understand?'” Mitchner told her son. He said to her, “‘Mom, I understand you. You raised me right.'”

And those were the last words other than “I love you, Mom.”

The next day, Mitchner learned her son was missing. And then: “They told me what happened, that he was found in the Lansing Grand River,” Mitchner said. “A piece of my heart is lost and can never come back.”

Police believed Brandon Mitchner died by drowning, but his mother said she believed there was more to it.

“I believe my son was thrown into the Lansing Grand River,” Mitchner said.

A $50,000 reward is being offered to anyone who provides police with information leading to an arrest, she said.

“I will not give up until I die and have no breath left,” Mitchner said. “Because one day my son will get justice because he doesn’t deserve it.”

While Mitchner waits for answers, she is carrying on her son’s legacy. Brandon graduated from Lansing Community College, and now there is a scholarship in his name for graduates of Everett, Eastern, Sexton, East Lansing, Waverly and Grand Ledge high schools.

Brandon Mitchner also had a clothing store called “Make it Your Mission” and Shirley said she is now converting that business into a nonprofit organization.

“Make it your mission to do the right thing,” Mitchner said. “If you know something, speak up. Do something. It could affect your child.”

If you have any information about what happened to Brandon Mitchner that night, his mother asks you to contact the Lansing Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 517-483-STOP.