Amaria Taniyah Jakeem Jones, a 13-year-old African American girl, tragically lost her life on June 20, 2020, in Chicago, IL. Amaria was inside her home in the Austin neighborhood, showing her mother a TikTok dance move, when a stray bullet pierced through the window and struck her in the neck. The bullet came from outside, where two teenage boys were sitting on the porch. One of the boys noticed a red laser light before multiple gunshots were fired.
Amaria was rushed to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
The incident occurred during a particularly violent Father's Day weekend in Chicago, where a total of 104 people were shot, 15 of them fatally. Amaria was one of several children who were victims of gun violence that weekend. Her death highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the city and sparked calls for change from her family and community members.
Despite the efforts of the Chicago Police Department, the shooter responsible for Amaria's death has not been apprehended. The investigation remains open, with authorities continuing to search for leads. Amaria's family, along with community activists, have been vocal in demanding justice and calling for stronger measures to address gun violence. They have urged city and state leaders to declare gun violence a public health crisis and to implement legislation in Amaria's name to prevent further tragedies.
Amaria's mother, Lawanda Jones, has been particularly outspoken about the pain of losing her youngest child. She described the heartbreaking moment when Amaria, bleeding from her neck, reached out to her for help. The family has held several public events to honor Amaria's memory and to advocate for safer communities. These events have drawn significant attention and support from local residents and officials.
The community's response to Amaria's death has been one of solidarity and action. Fundraisers were organized to help cover funeral expenses, and many people wore purple, Amaria's favorite color, to her funeral service. The tragic loss of Amaria Taniyah Jakeem Jones continues to resonate in Chicago, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and protect the city's children.
