Atatiana Jefferson’s Father Calls Her Demise ‘Mindless’
Atatiana Koquice Jefferson was shot and killed inside her house by a Fort Price Police officer.
What many are calling homicide is eerily acquainted to the dying of Botham Jean, who was killed by former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger.
“Not like Botham Jean, I don’t need no hug,” Jefferson’s father, Marquis, advised CBS 11 in Fort Price. “That’s my one and solely daughter. I’ll always remember that.”
He described the killing of his 28-year-old daughter as “mindless.”
Jefferson was a pre-med scholar at Xavier College who was working in pharmaceutical gear gross sales to save lots of up for medical faculty.
“When she was rising up, I learn to her rather a lot. I purchased her numerous books,” Marquis recalled. “Oh, she liked to learn on a regular basis. Her mom would inform me, ‘She’s in there studying, studying, studying.”
The aspiring physician was gunned downed in her house on Saturday morning (October 12) after her neighbor, James Smith, referred to as a non-emergency quantity for a wellness verify on her after seeing her door open at roughly 2:30 a.m., CBS This Morning stories.
“Her mom referred to as me yesterday morning. She mentioned, ‘Tay was shot,’” Marquis advised CBS 11. “I imply, it’s mindless. My daughter was 28. My daughter was 28 years outdated. Had her complete life in entrance of her.
“I’ve nothing towards the neighbor,” Marquis added. “If you happen to see one thing happening at my home with my daughter… you might want to name police. Nevertheless it’s the best way that the police acted.”
Fort Price Police responded to a name shortly earlier than 2:25 a.m. and searched the perimeter of the home Jefferson lived in on East Allen Avenue, in response to an announcement issued by the police.
An officer reported seeing somebody by means of the bed room window of the house and he drew his weapon. Jefferson was killed with one shot.
Seems Jefferson was up late taking part in video video games together with her nephew, in response to CBS This Morning.
“I referred to as as a result of I used to be involved for my neighbors,” Smith advised CBS.
Within the recorded audio of the decision, Smith may very well be heard saying, “Nicely, the entrance doorways have been open since 10 o’clock and I haven’t seen shifting round.”
“What I witnessed was three or 4 tactical officers coming from across the nook. Appeared like in lower than a minute I heard gunshots,” Smith advised CBS.
“Put your palms up. Present me your palms. Present me your palms,” the officer shouted by means of the closed window earlier than firing his gun as soon as and killing Jefferson, as seen in his bodycam.
He by no means recognized himself as police earlier than he shot into the window. Jefferson’s nephew was simply steps away, in response to CBS.
“What the officer noticed and why he didn’t announce police will probably be addressed because the investigation continues,” Fort Price Police Division Lieutenant Brandon O’Neil mentioned at a press convention, CBS stories.
Fort Price police mentioned they did discover a gun inside Jefferson’s house, however they’re not saying whether or not it was associated to the capturing.
The officer, who shot and killed her, is at present on administrative go away. His title has not been launched publicly.
“You need to know that was someone’s daughter,” Marquis mentioned. “Someone liked her and there was a greater approach. It didn’t must be like that.”
He mentioned their final dialog was, “I texted her, I mentioned I liked her and she or he texted me again and mentioned, ‘I like you too.’”
Activist Shaun King posted a video of Jefferson on Instagram and wrote, “Unhappy that we now have to share this, however @LeeMerrittEsq and I’ve lengthy since discovered that police departments and DA’s will destroy the character of their victims for those who allow them to. Atatiana Jefferson was a form, good soul. Shot and killed in her own residence by the Fort Price Police Division.”
