A WLBT Report
JACKSON – A young Jackson couple is preparing to bury their toddler, struck down by a stray bullet from a hail of gunfire this weekend.
The child's family is grateful the shooter came forward but still struggling to come to grips with the sudden loss of her innocent life.
Late Sunday night Keon Shearril was standing with his daughter, Keiona, in the yard of this Lexington Avenue home when he heard the sounds of gunfire.
“I heard the shots. I was running trying to take cover. I was holding my baby. She got shot in my hands,” said Shearril.
The young father was celebrating his 20th birthday Sunday when his 18-month- old daughter was shot in the head.
She later died at UMC.'s emergency room.
“We were outside trying to take cover, and she got shot,” added the traumatized father.
Keiona's mother, Lillian Jackson, is happy Jarvis Harper turned himself in to authorities Monday.
“It was a tragic, tragic time for me, and she was my only baby. She was my baby girl. I loved her. I loved her so much and how it happened to her, it shouldn't have happened. She didn't deserve it,” said Jackson.
Family members are in the process of making funeral arrangements for the beautiful baby girl, an innocent crime victim.
A memorial cross with flowers, toys and candles have been set up in the yard of the home.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Jarvis Daniel Harper of Jackson has been denied bond.
He faces murder charges and aggravated assault charges for shooting 50-year- old Mary Jackson who was also outside when gunfire erupted.
JPD Officer Colendula Green said Harper is a Knoxville, Tennessee native with a prior record.
Arrest warrants were issued for him in 2011 for house burglary and in 2012 for domestic violence.
Investigators said the two shooting victims were caught in gunfire from a nearby altercation.
Harper's surrender brings some comfort, but little relief for an anguished and grieving mother.
“I hope he gets the time that he deserves for doing this to her,” added the 19- year-old.
Funeral services for Keiona Uriaiah Shearril will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Daniel Memorial Church on Terry Road in Jackson.
