On June 20, 2024, two-year-old Manariah Isebella Nova Bradsher was tragically shot during a drive-by incident at the Campus Crossings apartments on East Cornwallis Road in Durham, North Carolina. She sustained a critical gunshot wound to the forehead while seated in the backseat of a vehicle with her mother, Shycresha Spears, who also suffered a graze wound to the head. Despite medical efforts, Manariah succumbed to her injuries on June 27, 2024.
Manariah was affectionately known as "Nova" and celebrated for her vibrant personality. She was a "daddy's girl," often expressing her affection by running around in her father's boots, declaring, "daddy is mine." Her bright smiles, big hugs, and kisses left an indelible mark on her family and community.
In the wake of this tragedy, Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead attended Manariah's funeral at Antioch Baptist Church, expressing the need for community solidarity to prevent such incidents and hold offenders accountable. He urged those responsible to come forward, emphasizing the random nature of the drive-by shooting.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Manariah's death. The Durham Police Department continues to investigate, appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of the individuals involved. The community remains hopeful for justice, mourning the loss of a young life taken too soon.
