COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A mother and daughter dead. A son and brother charged with their murder. And a father left stunned and heartbroken.
That’s what is left in the aftermath of a shooting in the 1500 block of 26th Street North in Columbus on Wednesday.
“To shoot your mom and your sister speaks volumes about what we need to do with our young people today,” says Marjorie Carter, who has lived in that neighborhood more than 40 years.
Columbus Police responded to the scene at around 12:30 p.m. after getting reports of gunfire.
“I thought maybe it was firecrackers or something,” Carter says. “I was out working in the yard and then I saw people running in that area.”
Officers found and arrested the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Jaquenton Bush.
JUST IN: The Lowndes Co. Coroner has identified the victims as 49-year-old Erica Bush Brewer & her 8-year-old daughter Jayda Brewer. Jaquenton Bush is charged with two counts of capital murder in the death of his mother and sister.
— Stephen Pimpo (@spimpojr) June 24, 2021
He is charged with the murders of his 49-year-old mother Erica Bush Brewer and his 8-year-old sister Jayda Brewer.
“This is something that none of us are prepared for,” said Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton. “Typically you don’t expect children and adults to get into this.”
Police say the incident started inside the home and a resident reported hearing at least 15 gunshots. Investigators say it appears Jayda tried to escape, but she was later found dead in the front yard.
“We know that there was some type of argument between the mom and the son,” said Chief Shelton. “We don’t know how that started or when it started.”
A resident who did not wish to be identified told me they heard what sounded like 15 gunshots back-to-back just after 12 PM yesterday. Said they initially didn’t think much of it because they hear gunfire in the area “quite often.” pic.twitter.com/2j5JkDH8SB
— Stephen Pimpo (@spimpojr) June 24, 2021
Erica was found injured inside the home but died on the way to a Jackson hospital.
Chief Shelton says they have spoken with the father and husband of the victims and suspect, who was not home at the time of the shooting.
“The dad is very distraught, understandably, and we’re not taking a statement from him right now,” the police chief says. “We’re trying to let him get himself mentally prepared to grasp this whole thing.”
Chief Shelton says neighbors are coming forward with statements and video to help in the investigation. He says this is especially crucial in domestic incidents.
“People are upset, people are angry,” he says. “We love our family and we tend to want to protect our family. This man is facing capital murder charges.”
On Thursday at 7 p.m., loved ones held a vigil at the family’s home where they released dozens of balloons into the sky while saying Erica and Jayda’s names.
“Erica and Jayda.”
Family and friends release dozens of balloons into the sky while saying the names of Erica Bush Brewer & her 8-year-old daughter Jayda Brewer. The mother and daughter were killed Wednesday in a shooting that son and brother Jaquenton Bush is charged with. pic.twitter.com/Uk1eodBokb
— Stephen Pimpo (@spimpojr) June 25, 2021
People lined both sides of the street to pray, celebrate the lives lost and call for an end to the recent violence. Nehemiah Bush and Taylor Brown were Jayda’s cousins and say they appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time.
“These last couple days have been hard for me because Jayda been like a little sister to me and Erica is just like a moma to me,” says 15-year-old Nehemiah. “I just can’t believe my own cousin could do such a hurtful crime to my auntie. I just don’t know how to take it.”
“We love you Jayda. We love you TeeTee,” Brown said.
Jaquenton is being held without bond in the Lowndes County Jail.
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