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Hundreds Mourn Slain ND State Student In Sartell

SARTELL, Minn. (AP) — More than 1,200 people gathered to mourn the North Dakota State University student found slain in Moorhead as authorities search for the person responsible for his death.

The funeral Mass for 18-year-old Thomas Bearson was held Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in his hometown of Sartell. Bearson's family and friends spoke during the service, with many remembering his talent and passion for basketball.

Bearson's body was found Sept. 23 outside a recreational vehicle store in Moorhead. The Ramsey County medical examiner's office says Bearson died as the "result of homicidal violence."

Police say Bearson had last been seen at a party early Saturday near his dorm in Fargo, North Dakota. NDSU is encouraging students to walk with others on and off campus at night. On-campus police escorts are available around the clock.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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