On the evening of Friday, August 17, 2012, seven-year-old Kristyana Jackson and her mother, Kimi Jackson, were returning to their home on Kilbourn Street in Elkhart, Indiana, after a high school football game. As they approached their front porch around 10:30 p.m., they were confronted by two or three armed and masked men dressed in black. Kristyana’s father, John Jackson, who was inside with their infant son, heard his wife's screams and came to the door.
The armed assailants opened fire, striking both John and Kristyana.
John Jackson was shot three times in his upper body but survived his injuries. Kristyana was shot once in the head. She was rushed to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where she fought for her life for two days. Tragically, her injuries were too severe, and she was declared brain dead. Kristyana passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2012. Her family made the decision to donate her organs.
The Elkhart Police Department began an investigation into what they believed was a home invasion gone wrong. Investigators were unsure if the Jackson family was specifically targeted or if it was a random act of violence. Despite conducting hundreds of interviews and making public appeals for information, the case yielded no suspects or persons of interest. The family and police believe there are individuals in the community who have knowledge of the perpetrators but have remained silent.
In the years following Kristyana's death, her family has continued to seek justice. They have held vigils and fundraisers to keep a billboard up for Crime Stoppers, hoping to encourage someone to come forward with information. As of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made in the murder of Kristyana Jackson, and her case remains an unsolved homicide. A reward has been offered for any information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for her death.
