Patrice Marie Hairston-Allen, a 26-year-old woman of African American ethnicity, tragically passed away on September 25, 2017, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Rev. Franklin Hairston-Allen, president of the Greater Harrisburg Area chapter of the NAACP. Patrice was fatally shot in the stomach during a botched home invasion and drug robbery at her apartment on Dauphin Street.
The incident occurred when Patrice and her girlfriend, Jasmine Holmes, were at home around 11:30 PM. Holmes heard someone banging on the front door and leaned against it to prevent the intruder from breaking it down. During the struggle, a shot was fired that passed over Holmes' forearm and struck Patrice in the stomach. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Patrice succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Following the incident, police conducted a search of the apartment and found marijuana, scales, $4,000 in cash, and two guns. Investigators revealed that Patrice and Holmes were involved in the illegal drug trade. The suspect, Jaliel Rodriguez, a 23-year-old Harrisburg man, was later found guilty of second-degree murder and robbery in connection with Patrice's death. He was sentenced to life in prison.
The case drew significant attention due to Patrice's connection to her father's prominent role in the NAACP and the circumstances surrounding the home invasion. The community mourned the loss of a young woman with dreams of becoming a veterinarian and a passion for music and dancing.
Patrice's death left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and the community, who remembered her as a loving and talented individual with a bright future ahead of her.
