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Family of slain 22-year-old Detroit woman seeks answers after body found in car

Tears can’t help but fall as candles burned in memory of 22-year-old Zambrecia Worksel this weekend.

The woman’s body was disturbingly found after she had been beaten to death and left in the backseat of a 2017 Dodge Journey on Stahelin Avenue near Vassar Drive on Detroit’s west side. Worksel’s mother, Lajuana Jackson, is hurting the most.

“Whoever did this is a real coward in real life,” Jackson said. “My daughter is only this big. You didn’t have to all that to her.”

Right now, no leads seem to clearly point the finger at whoever may be responsible for the 22-year-old’s death. Regardless, their actions have sparked a wildfire of heartbreak for the woman’s family and, sadly, this pain is nothing new for Jackson.

“Ten years ago today, I was in the same predicament with her brother,” Jackson said. “Exactly 10 years later and here I am again? What are the odds that I lose two (children) in one lifetime?”

Worksel had just wrapped up working with program called No Barrier to Success with Mel Polk, the organization’s president, who says the young woman was going places.

“Zambrecia was an exceptional participant in that program,” Polk said. “She was an exceptional young lady. Beautiful young lady. She was smart, dedicated and on her way up the ladder.”

The driven young woman, more affectionately known as “Breezy,” had plans to be a doctor. But sadly, all of that has now been taken away.

“She had such a big heart. She don’t miss nobody’s events. She’s there for everything. She had multiple careers,” Jackson said.

The woman’s father, Paul Worksel, is confident that investigators will solve the case.

“He’s gonna be caught,” Paul Worksel said. “He’s probably gonna watch this. We’re coming for you. We’re coming for you. Justice will be served cause there’s too much technology out here.”

To make matters worse, this young lady was about to turn 23 in just days.

Those interested in helping the family can donate to their Gofundme fundraiser right here.


About the Author
Victor Williams headshot

Victor Williams joined Local 4 News in October of 2019 after working for WOIO in Cleveland, OH, WLOX News in Biloxi, MS, and WBBJ in Jackson, TN. Victor developed a love for journalism after realizing he was a great speaker and writer at an early age.

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