ELKHART – It’s been nearly two-and-a-half months since 7-year-old Kristyana Jackson was shot and killed outside her Elkhart home, and police have yet to bring her shooter to justice.
Saturday night, the community kept Kristyana’s memory alive with a Hip Hop Zumba dance party.
It was a fundraiser to support Crimestoppers for Kristyana, which was set up as award money for whoever can come forward with information leading to an arrest.
“She’s very caring, fun loving, loved to dance, always said Mama, ‘I’m not a good singer, but I can dance,’ and I said yes you can,” remembered Kristyana’s mother Kimi.
The 7-year-old was shot and killed outside her home August 17. Police say three masked men were trying to get inside the home at the time. Her father John was also injured.
“Angry, mad, frustrated, hurt, sad” is how John describes his feelings.
“You never know until times like this how many people support you,” John said.
Dancers dressed in purple in honor of Kristyana. They also donated money to the Crimestoppers for Kristyana Jackson fund.
“Very grateful words aren’t ever enough to say thank you,” said Kimi. “Just the support has been overwhelming. Some days are better than others, but I don’t think it’s gotten any easier. Every day is hard with her not being there.”
But with events like this, the family knows the community is behind them every step of the way.
Right now, the Crimestoppers fund is at $6,000.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-342-STOP.
