On June 20, 2022, Tyniya Powell, a 20-year-old African American woman, was tragically shot and killed in Jacksonville, Florida. Powell, along with her boyfriend Jamarion Barnes, 21, was found fatally shot in their car near an ATM on Bowden Road. The couple had parked their Toyota Corolla next to the ATM when they were ambushed. Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing a man in dark clothing exiting the back seat of the car, opening the driver's door, and
then fleeing the scene. When police arrived, Barnes was found lying outside the driver's door, while Powell was discovered on the ground next to the passenger side. Barnes was pronounced dead at the scene, and Powell succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.
The investigation into the double homicide led to the arrest of 20-year-old Raishion Gist, who was charged with two counts of murder. Gist was apprehended with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, following tips from the community and evidence collected by detectives. According to the arrest warrant, Gist had communicated with one of the victims earlier in the day through texts and FaceTime calls, coordinating to be picked up near his home, which was close to the crime scene. The warrant also indicated that drugs were involved, as Gist had texted one of the victims about needing a "p," a term used in drug dealing. Surveillance video showed Gist shooting the couple seconds after they arrived at the ATM, then fleeing the scene with a red bag taken from the car.
The motive for the murders remains unclear, but the arrest of Gist brought some relief to the families of the victims. Terri Barnes, Jamarion's mother, expressed her relief at Gist's arrest, hoping that he would reflect on the impact of his actions. The community, including the MAD DADS organization, played a significant role in aiding the investigation and supporting the victims' families. A vigil was held to honor Powell and Barnes, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in Jacksonville and the need for community efforts to prevent such tragedies.
