A devastating incident in Tunica County, Mississippi, ended with one mother dead and two children injured after a shooting that took place on Friday. According to FOX13 Memphis, Nykeria Jude, 30, was shot and killed, with the suspect in the crime being the father of her child, Markell Braxton, 41. His whereabouts were unknown until his body was found days later behind homes on Soleil Drive, with suspicion of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In a disturbing history of domestic disturbances stretched since July 2015, seven calls had been made involving Braxton and Jude before this tragic culmination. WREG reported that the last call was as recent as March of this year. Neighbors and friends were left to reconcile that the man they knew had been linked to the heart-wrenching violence inflicted upon his own family.
The two surviving children, a 6-year-old girl and a 24-year-old man, were taken to the hospital and have since been released. In a statement provided to WREG, a spokesperson for the family, and the grandparents expressed their grief over their loss and highlighted the importance of mental health and taking domestic violence seriously in order "to foster a community that prioritizes safety, understanding, and compassion." They claimed a strong commitment towards recovery and requested the community's support in advocating for mental health awareness.
The Tunica County Sheriff's Office collaborated with the U.S. Marshals Service to search for Braxton, finally discovering a body just after 4:40 p.m. Monday, as stated by Local Memphis.
Having sent to Mississippi Crime Lab for positive identification, Braxton's body was found. The case evoked strong sentiments in the community, with a local resident, Latorian Henley, calling Braxton a "coward" for his actions during an interview with WREG.
As the families involved confront the aftermath, a GoFundMe has been established to provide financial support during this period of mourning and recovery.
