In the spring of 2021, the life of a bright and bubbly three-year-old girl, Jamayla Ervoni Marlowe, was tragically cut short in Nashville, Tennessee. The young African American female, known affectionately as 'Bink' to her family, was fatally wounded by a gunshot on the evening of April 12, 2021. Jamayla was a child full of life and love, known for her outgoing and affectionate nature.
She was the middle of three sisters and was described as the center of attention in her household, a happy and independent child who brought joy to those around her. She had a love for all things beautiful, including lip gloss and getting her nails done, and dreamed of growing up to use them.
The fatal incident occurred in a parking lot of the Cumberland View public housing development. A large group of people had gathered when a man, later identified as 23-year-old Thomas L. Winston Jr., arrived in a blue Hyundai Elantra. Winston walked between two buildings, and shortly after, gunshots erupted from that direction, flying across the parking lot. In the ensuing chaos, at least three other individuals returned fire. During the exchange, Jamayla was struck and killed, and her two-year-old half-sister was also wounded.
Following the shooting, Winston fled the scene in his vehicle after dropping a bloody pistol on the pavement. He later sought treatment at a local hospital for a gunshot wound to his abdomen. An investigation led by the Metro Nashville Police Department pointed to Winston's involvement in the shooting. During an interview with detectives after his release from the hospital, Winston admitted to firing his weapon during the incident. He was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal homicide for the death of Jamayla Marlowe and aggravated assault for the wounding of her half-sister. Winston also faced unrelated charges of felony aggravated assault and vandalism.
