Geneva Authena Lanae August, a 3-year-old girl of African American ethnicity from Longview, Texas, tragically died on June 14, 2018. Geneva was the daughter of Manuel August Jr. and Vivian Tiburcio. She was known to enjoy Peppa Pig, playing with toys, learning, and spending time with her family.
The circumstances surrounding Geneva's death were deeply tragic. On the day of her death, Geneva was found lying next to a 9mm handgun, having suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Longview Police responded to a report of shots fired at around 6:50 p.m. on Owings Avenue.
An investigation into Geneva's death led to the arrest of Daylain Anisse Jones, a 24-year-old woman from Longview. Jones was sentenced to 330 days in jail for making the firearm accessible to Geneva. Jones' boyfriend, Geneva's father Manuel August Jr., was also arrested on a warrant for the same misdemeanor offense and awaited prosecution.
The case highlighted the critical importance of firearm safety and the devastating consequences that can result from negligence. The community and Geneva's family were left to grapple with the heart-wrenching loss of a young life cut short by a preventable accident.
