Ja'Kia Itrece Battle, a 23-year-old African American woman from Lima, Ohio, tragically passed away on October 18, 2021. She was a cashier at Panera Bread and had a passion for singing, rapping, and primping. Ja'Kia left behind her mother, Kimberly Battle, and her young daughter, Ny'Ajah I. Battle-Gilcrease. Her death was ruled a homicide by the Lucas County Coroner's Office, which determined that her death was neither accidental nor self-inflicted.
The investigation into Ja'Kia's death
led to the arrest of Kiara S. Totty, a 33-year-old woman from Lima. Totty was charged with reckless homicide with a firearm specification. During the trial, it was revealed that Ja'Kia died from a gunshot wound at Totty's home. The forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy testified that the trajectory of the bullet was unusual for a self-inflicted wound. The prosecution argued that Totty wiped the gun off with a towel and placed it in Ja'Kia's hand before first responders arrived.
In September 2024, a jury found Totty guilty of reckless homicide. She was sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay restitution to Ja'Kia's mother for burial expenses. The Battle family has expressed their dissatisfaction with the charge, believing that it does not adequately reflect the severity of Ja'Kia's death. They continue to seek justice for Ja'Kia and have been vocal about their grief and the impact of her loss on Ja'Kia's young daughter.
The case has drawn attention from the Lima NAACP, which has raised concerns about the pace of the investigation and the charges brought against Totty. Despite the legal proceedings, the Battle family remains focused on honoring Ja'Kia's memory and supporting her daughter through the difficult times.
