Family of 22-Year-Old Zambrecia Works Seeks Answers After She Was Found Murdered Following a Date With an Unknown Man

The family of 22-year-old Zambrecia Works is pleading for the public’s help to find the person who shot and killed her in West Detroit, leaving her lifeless body in the backseat of her 2017 Black Dodge Journey.

Prior to her death, Works went on a date with an unknown man to Red Lobster following her graduation from her externship with the Detroit Fire Department, according to her sister Ericia.

“During her time at Red Lobster, she took a video of her food and an image of her date’s neck, which she shared on her social media on Facebook,” said Works’ sister Ericia.

Works’ family says she was in contact with them throughout the night, even communicating with her mother after the date ended.

However, her family knew something was wrong when her phone began to go straight to voicemail after midnight and as the morning hours began to approach. 

“My little sister was never the kind of person to stay out all night without communicating with at least one person to ensure her safety,” said Ericia.

A day later, Detroit police informed Works’ family that her body was found inside her car in front of an abandoned home on Stahelin and Vassar in Detroit. She was reportedly beaten with a baseball bat and shot multiple times. Her car and belongings were left untouched and “perfectly intact,” said Ericia.

The family has shared that they have tried to retrieve footage from the Red Lobster where Works supposedly had dinner with her mysterious date but was denied help by the restaurant.

“We know she was at the Red Lobster in Dearborn Heights. The family has went up there to ask for footage, but they said they will not give us any help.”

Ericia also said that Dearborn Heights is a primarily Arabic community and believes they do not like African Americans to patronize in their community.

With no leads, the family is “desperate” to receive any information: a video, photo, text, or conversation. 

“Any information from the dates of August 11th – 12th, even if it’s just a bystander because someone knows something that can bring us closure,” shared Ericia.

This tragedy comes just a few days before what would be Work’s 23rd birthday. Her sister shared that she had multiple passions that she was pursuing, including becoming a phlebotomist, medical assistant, brand ambassador, community leader and more.

“My little sister was someone who was very bright, had the biggest smile, touched so many people, and was beginning to start her legacy. Our family and friends of the family are currently hurting so bad that I, even as her big sister— sometimes can’t breathe because my heart hurts so bad because this wasn’t supposed to happen to her, especially with all the life she had left. We just want the person who did this to serve their time for this selfish act— you took a beautiful soul, and our hearts will forever be broken. This monster should be in prison so they will never hurt/prey on anyone else!” said Ericia.

The family has started a GoFundMe with hopes of raising money for funeral arrangements and services.