SARTELL, Minn. (AP) – The North Dakota State University student found slain in Moorhead was laid to rest as authorities search for the person responsible for his death.

A funeral Mass for 18-year-old Thomas Bearson was held Monday morning at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in his hometown of Sartell.

Bearson’s body was found last Tuesday 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 morning in Fargo, North Dakota, about six blocks from his dorm. NDSU officials are encouraging students to walk with others on and off campus at night. On-campus police escorts are available around the clock.