On February 25, 2017, 8-year-old De'Maree Adkins, a young girl from Houston, Texas, tragically lost her life in a drive-by shooting. De'Maree and her mother, Latoyia Thomas, were traveling near the intersection of Beltway 8 and West Fuqua Street when their vehicle was struck by a speeding car. After the collision, the driver of the other vehicle fled and began shooting at De'Maree's car, hitting her in the process.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, De'Maree succumbed to her injuries.
The investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old Jacobe Payton, who was charged with capital murder of a person under 10 years old and with murder. Payton was later found guilty of the lesser charge of murder and sentenced to 78 years in prison. During the trial, it was revealed that De'Maree's mother initially thought the shooter was a woman due to Payton's long dreadlocks. However, the jury ultimately convicted Payton based on the evidence presented.
The case drew significant attention and community support, with family and friends holding a balloon release in memory of De'Maree. The tragic loss of the young girl, who was described as a "girly-girl" who loved to write, left a lasting impact on her family and the community.
De'Maree's father, Detram Adkins, and her mother, Latoyia Thomas, have since been vocal about seeking justice for their daughter and ensuring that her memory lives on. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of community and legal efforts to address such crimes.
