Parasha M. Beard, a 19-year-old African American woman, was tragically killed on September 18, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. Parasha was six months pregnant at the time of her death. She was sitting in a parked car when another vehicle drove by, and someone inside opened fire, striking her in the head. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Parasha succumbed to her injuries shortly after the shooting.
Her unborn baby, delivered prematurely, initially survived but faced significant health challenges due to the circumstances of her birth.
The baby, named A'Miracle Jones, was born prematurely and spent her short life in the hospital. Despite the family's constant presence and care, A'Miracle's health deteriorated, and she passed away five months later due to complications from her premature birth. The Cook County medical examiner ruled both Parasha's and A'Miracle's deaths as homicides.
The investigation into Parasha M. Beard's murder has been ongoing, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The shooter, described as having dreadlocks, fled the scene in the vehicle used in the drive-by shooting. The lack of arrests and the continued violence in Chicago have left Parasha's family, particularly her mother, Crystal Jones, in a state of grief and frustration. Crystal has been vocal about the need for justice and has urged the community to put an end to gun violence.
The case highlights the broader issue of gun violence in Chicago, which has seen numerous similar incidents. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, many cases remain unsolved, leaving families without closure. The tragic deaths of Parasha M. Beard and her baby underscore the devastating impact of such violence on families and communities.
