A community in Florida is mourning the loss of a 3-year-old girl, who was shot and killed by her father over the weekend before he turned the gun on himself.
According to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Cherish Jackson transported to Sacred Heart Hospital on Saturday, where she died on the following day. The father, who has been identified as 22-year-old Terrence Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-sustained gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators said that Jackson shared custody with the child’s mother, and would often come and take the girl for a walk to the store on Saturdays. However, on that afternoon, witnesses say Jackson walked about 100 yards from his daughter’s home before pulling out a gun, shooting her twice and then shooting himself, Sgt. Melony Peterson reports.
Dozens of family members and friends gathered on Monday in remembrance of Cherish, and the child’s mother Casey Scott took the time to thank the crowd for their support.
“Thanks to all of y’all who came out here for my baby. She was loved by all of y’all and I really, really appreciate that,” Scott said before pausing momentarily. “I’ve been holding my head high,” she added. “I know that my baby wouldn’t want us out here crying. Wouldn’t want us out here struggling. Wouldn’t want us out here breaking down. As you can see, she was a fighter.”
Investigators are still working to determine a possible motive for the shooting.
