Grieving father shares his loss
The father of a 10-month-old girl fatally shot in Monroe County is speaking publicly about his loss for the first time.
Jarmel Austin said he was in the car with his daughter, Jamaya Austin, when she was shot on Christmas Eve. He described Jamaya as a smart, funny and attentive child who brought joy to everyone around her.
Authorities said Jamaya was shot after a disagreement over custody. The suspect, Tamika Stallworth, who is the child’s great-aunt, demanded the child go with her, and when Austin did not comply, she allegedly fired into their vehicle, according to the father. Jamaya died two days after the shooting.
Stallworth was charged with murder the day after Christmas but has since bonded out of jail, Austin said. The death has been devastating for both families, he added.
“We have to think positive,” Austin said. “God had something in store for her. He had to get her, she was so precious, she was a little angel.”