Journee Taylor Lynn Pack was a bright-eyed, cherished 5-year-old girl just beginning her life as a student at Marshfield Elementary School. Born in Winfield, Kansas, on April 9, 2021, Journee moved to Marshfield, Missouri, a small city in the Ozarks known for its annual cherry blossom festival. She was part of a large and loving blended family who adored her.
Her life was filled with the warmth of her mother, Kasyn Porter, and Tre Kochs of Marshfield, and her father, Justin Pack, and Chelsi of Morton, Mississippi. She was a sister to Elaina Kochs-Fugate, Zarha Kochs-Fugate, Desmond Pack, Gracelyn Carter, McKenzie Carter, and Jayonna Carter. Her world was further enriched by a host of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who doted on her.
The morning of Saturday, October 3, 2026, brought an unthinkable tragedy that shattered her family’s world. At around 10 a.m., officers with the Marshfield Police Department were dispatched to Journee’s home on East Washington Street. When they arrived, they found the little girl had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The devastating event happened inside the residence, and Journee died at the scene.
The subsequent investigation by the Marshfield Police Department soon revealed the heartbreaking circumstances of her death. According to Police Chief Doug Fannen, investigators determined that Journee had gained access to her father's firearm. The weapon had not been properly secured, making it tragically possible for the curious child to find and handle it. The investigation concluded that Journee had accidentally shot herself.
The incident sent a shockwave of grief through the community and left law enforcement to navigate the sensitive case. Chief Fannen confirmed that the police department was investigating the circumstances surrounding the unsecured firearm to determine if criminal charges were warranted against her father. The case served as a stark and painful reminder of the critical importance of safe gun storage in homes where children are present. The investigation remained under the purview of the Marshfield Police Department as they worked to conclude their findings.
In the midst of their profound grief, Journee's family was surrounded by a wide network of relatives. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jason Porter. She is survived by her parents; her six siblings; her grandparents, Ronda and Mark Palmer of Rockaway Beach, Angelia and Jeff Kochs of Marshfield, Joyce Tyler and Chadrick of North Carolina, and Marshall Pack of Brandon, Mississippi; and her great-grandparents, Mary and Robert Taylor of Pearl, Mississippi. Her memory is also carried on by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins from Missouri to Mississippi and Tennessee.
Two weeks after her passing, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the community gathered to say goodbye. A Celebration of Life service was held for Journee at 2:00 p.m. at the Massey Park pavilion in Marshfield. The service, organized by Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., provided a space for family, friends, and neighbors to share their memories and mourn the loss of a vibrant young life cut tragically short. As of October 2026, the police investigation into the circumstances of the shooting was ongoing.
