'Cherished Mom' Shot Dead Inside McDonald's
One moment, she was a mom picking up food. The next, she was gone. On June 16, 25-year-old Kianna Jackson was shot and killed inside a McDonald's in Brandon, Mississippi — just 10 miles outside the state capital of Jackson. What began as an ordinary Monday evening ended in a tragedy that left a family shattered and a community searching for answers.
A Familiar Face Walked In
It was just before 7 p.m. when the suspect, Jhonterryes Dampier, entered the McDonald's on Stribling Lane. According to Brandon Police, he allegedly opened fire inside the restaurant, striking Jackson and then turning the weapon on himself.
Jackson died at the scene. Dampier, initially in critical condition, died two days later on June 18 from what police say was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
2 Kids, Now Without a Mother
Jackson leaves behind two young children — a 5-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. According to the GoFundMe launched by her family, the children had the same parents: Jackson and Dampier.
Yes, Dampier allegedly shot and killed the mother of his children.
The fundraising page describes Jackson as a "cherished mother" and "a beloved daughter, sister and friend," according to PEOPLE.
The campaign, which surpassed $15,000 by June 22, aims to cover funeral costs and set up a trust fund for the children.
A Domestic Dispute in Public
Brandon Mayor Butch Lee told WJTV that the shooting was likely rooted in a domestic issue, calling it "a horrible incident" and lamenting that "it's even more tragic when a domestic situation like this happens in front of children."
While police have not publicly confirmed what led to the shooting, reports suggest Jackson and Dampier were no longer in a relationship.
Shock in the Community
The incident stunned the town of Brandon, where violent crime is rare. O'Ferrall Management Group, which owns the McDonald's where the shooting took place, issued a public statement, saying, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' family and loved ones," according to WJTV.
The company also said it was working with authorities and supporting employees.
A Life Cut Short
The Brandon Police Department has not released further updates, stating that the investigation remains ongoing.
In the meantime, Kianna's loved ones are left to mourn a woman who, by all accounts, was doing her best to raise two children and build a life for them.
References: Woman, 25, Described as a 'Cherished Mother' of 2, Shot Dead Inside a Mississippi McDonald's | 'Cherished mother': Mom of 2 shot, killed at McDonald's | Man dies days after killing woman, shooting self at McDonald's in Brandon | Shooting at Brandon McDonald's leaves one dead
