In the quiet town of Marion, Virginia, a heartbreaking story unfolded on November 20, 2020, with the death of seven-year-old Anthony Trent Harley. The young male was a happy boy, born on August 14, 2013, in Washington County, Virginia, who was known for the love he had for his family and the joy he found in spending time with his cousins.
The circumstances of Anthony's death were part of a larger family tragedy that deeply affected the Smyth County community.
Investigations revealed that his passing was a result of a murder-suicide that also claimed the lives of his mother, Jakie Harley, and his siblings, ten-year-old Jeremih Sean Harley and three-year-old Addisyn Nadine 'Addie' Harris. Authorities determined that Jakie Harley was responsible for the deaths of her children before taking her own life.
In the wake of this devastating event, the community was left to mourn the loss of the three young children and their mother. As the investigation concluded that the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, there were no arrests made or suspects sought in connection with the case. The focus for the community and surviving family members turned to grieving and remembering the lives that were lost. Funeral services for Anthony and his siblings were held together, allowing family and friends to pay their respects to the young lives that were tragically cut short.
