Attleboro Family Struggles to Find Answers in Their Son's Murder; Keeps His Memory Alive with Poker Run

Walking into the Marshall family kitchen seems no different than walking into any Attleboro family's kitchen. The family is sitting around the table eating pizza, there's a dog begging for scraps under the dinner table, there are notes on the refrigerator and relatives popping in to say hello. 

There is a huge difference, however, for this family. Someone is missing. A son, a father, a brother, a boyfriend and nephew. Zack Marshall, who was killed in December, is missing from the table.

The notes on the refrigerator are actually reminders of what needs to be done for a fundraiser to benefit their six-month-old granddaughter, left behind when her father, their son, was brutally murdered just one week before Christmas. The glasses they are drinking out of say "In Memory of Zackary J. Marshall." 

While the support by relatives, friends and even strangers has been overwhelming and appreciated by the family, they still struggle each day with the grief of losing their son.

"As much as we love getting everyone together, everyone gets to move on with their lives, but we are still here struggling through the hard times and the rest of the stuff that needs to be done," Dianne Marshall says.

The family also struggles silently with the fact that the person or (persons) who killed their son and left him to die on a street corner in Providence still roams free. 

 "The fact that people are still out there and have not been dealt with," Paul Marshall says of his son's killer(s). "I feel they have done all that they can do and now it is time to wait for that break in the case."

"It is still tough," Marshall adds as he tries to hold back tears. "Our family is still waiting for that break. It will not change what happened, but to know will provide closure and satifaction. As much as I want it to happen, I dread the day it happens because I'll have to face them in court."

Police have had some leads on the case and the Marshalls have been told by police from the beginning that the stabbing was random and not targeted. 

"I think it is important to realize that no matter what happens, Zack is not coming home, but it will make things a little easier to know who is responsible,"  says Nadia Rouk, Zack's girlfriend and mother of his baby. "It’s profoundly affected our lives."

The family have no control over the Providence Police Department's investigation of their son's murder, but they do have control of what they need to do for their granddaugher, Kira Bella Marshall. 

It has been five months since Zack was stabbed and killed, and the family is planning the first annual Zack Marshall Memorial Poker Run. The ride, taking place on Sunday, May 22, will raise money for the Kira Bella Fund.

"It's impossible for him to make his presence known, so to keep his memory alive we have the benefit," Rouk says. "And so everyone can help Kira – she is the only thing we have left of him."

A motorcyle ride for Kira

On Saturday, May 14 at 9 a.m., one week before the Poker Run, Marshall's bike will be blessed's annual "Live to Ride–Pray to Live" Blessing of the Bikes. 

The ride leaves at noon from Boneyard BBQ in Seekonk and ends at the on South Main Street in Attleboro. The $20 registration fee/donation includes a Poker sheet, T-shirt, bracelet and food. The idea for the ride came from Chris Legere, a family friend and owner of SpeeDee Oil.

"My Brother Chris and I have been going [to Boneyard] for the past few years, just about since they opened," one of the organizers, Mark Legere, said. "They are very active with charities; there is always something going on there for a charity. The owners and employees are good people and care about the area and try to give back. 

The Poker Run, which will happen rain or shine, includes three stops in between the Boneyard and Attleboro Elks. Each registered rider will receive a playing card for their poker hand and the winner will be determined at the end of the ride.  

The family is hoping for a sunny day, but are prepared in case it should rain. 

"I already talked with Zack and told him to make sure it is a nice day," said Erin Brousseau, a family friend and Kira's godmother, who was at the table wearing her "In Memory of Z.J.M." shirt. The shirts, which say Buster's Auto Body on the back, were created by Marshall's uncle David Marshall, who owns the Norton body shop.

After the ride, all are invited back to the Elks for the after-party, which begins at 3 p.m. Organizers have lined up live music by Who's Your Daddy, and all that is left is to find catering for the after-party.

"We just got approval Thursday to serve food at the Elks," Legere said. "We don't have anyone yet that has offered any services for food, but we would greatly accept anyone that would like to donate."

The ride has Zack's personality written all over it because it includes a motorcyle ride, a bike show, bikini bike wash and an after-party, according to the family. The family is still trying to organize a car show as part of the after-party.

Memories of Zack are everywhere

Back at home, the Marshalls are constantly reminded of Zack.

"He's always liked riding because it's fast," Paul Marshall says. "He rode as much as he could and we started riding together when he came back here to Attleboro."

Today, Marshall rides his son's black and chrome Suzuki GS XR 1,000.

"Sometimes when I hear him come up the driveway it freaks me out because when it was warm out Zack would take his bike out and rip it up Bank Street," Rouk says. 

Riding his motorcycle on a warm day is just one of many things that remind Nadia of her love, she says. "You always knew he was coming because the music was blasting in his car or he'd make sure the bike was really loud."

Marshall now rides his son's bike up and down his Bank Street neighborhood. And on some days he takes the bike to his son's grave site at St. Stephen's Cemetery.

"When I'm there, I tell him that I am leaving it running for him so he can feel the vibration from the bike," Marshall says, wiping tears from his eyes while showing a photo of the bike at his son's grave site. "Basically, I ride it for him." 

Editor's Note: The family is asking anyone who knows anything about their son's murder to please contact Providence Police Detectives at 401-243-6406.