On February 14, 2024, 26-year-old Chasity Sparkman was fatally shot in the Lake Crest Village Shopping Center, located near Florin Road and Greenhaven Drive in Sacramento's Pocket neighborhood. Officers from the Sacramento Police Department responded to reports of a shooting around 11:15 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Sparkman suffering from at least one gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Sparkman was a mother of two young children, aged six and eight. Family members described her as energetic, outgoing, and always smiling. She was pursuing studies in business and had aspirations in the music industry. Her family expressed profound grief over her untimely death and called for justice.
In the weeks following the incident, the Sacramento Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, identified two suspects: 25-year-olds Isaiah James and Ayonna Burgos, both from Sacramento. On March 12, 2024, both individuals were apprehended in New York City. They are awaiting extradition to Sacramento to face homicide-related charges.
The relationship between Sparkman and the suspects has not been officially confirmed by law enforcement. However, family members allege that Isaiah James was Sparkman's husband and that Ayonna Burgos was his girlfriend. The family continues to seek justice and has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Sparkman's children.
