CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- Family and friends of a former ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois University student came together Saturday to remember his life seven years after his death.
The loved ones of Pravin Varughese met for a walk at the same wooded spot in Carbondale where his body was found in February 2014.
The family fought for justice in their son's case after his death was initially ruled as hypothermia, they say, ignoring evidence of foul play. Their perseverance paid off in 2018, when Gaege Bethune was convicted of first-degree murder.
Pravin was seen with Bethune the night of his death, but Bethune maintained his innocence. A judge over-ruled the conviction a year later, and the case is now with a special prosecutor outside of Jackson County.
The family returns to Carbondale each February to honor Pravin, starting a scholarship program in his name.
After the walk in the morning, the group met on the campus of SIU, where two scholarships for $1000 were awarded.
Those were given to students entering the field of Criminal Justice, the Major Pravin was pursuing.
Lovely Varughese, Pravin's mother, says it's important to support programs that seek justice.
"So we are trying to honor his dream, and what we are doing for the past six years is pick Criminal Justice Majors," says Varughese. "Every year, when you walk you feel that connection, I feel like a part of my soul is here."
Two Students from Shawnee Community College were selected for the scholarships, and the SCC Criminal Justice program was also awarded.
Pravin's mother says the return to ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois for the memorial is a "bitter-sweet" experience, and one she plans to continue.
