13-year old Jayda Woods-Johnson, was tragically shot and killed on July 3, 2024 while at the Alderwood Shopping Mall near Seattle, Washington.

Jayda was hanging out with a friend to take photos in the photo booth and shop for some summer clothes. She was not at the wrong place at the wrong time. She was exactly where she should have been safe as a teenager - at a local shopping mall.

The identified shooter was 16-year old male, Samuel Gizaw, who entered into the shopping mall with a loaded firearm. After being punched in the face by another teenager that he was in an altercation with, Samuel Gizaw went running through the mall and fired a single shot from his gun aimed at the teenager who punched him, which instead, tragically struck Jayda.  Autopsy results revealed that Jayda was shot in her back near her right shoulder. The single bullet traveled through her body, hitting her right lung and her heart, and exited through her upper left chest.  She was an innocent bystander and she sadly passed away from her injuries while being rushed to the hospital.

Jayda was literally the happiest and sweetest little girl on Earth. She had everything going for her and her whole life ahead of her. She was beautiful, loving, extremely funny and outgoing, and she undoubtedly brought a smile to everyone's face whom she met. She wanted to be an actress, a singer, and dancer. She was going to be a superstar!!!  Our family had no idea that she would become famous for the way she died.  Her memory will be honored and she will never be forgotten. 

LLJ - Long Live Jayda!!!  

Samuel Gizaw, the shooter, was turned in by his mother, but was immediately released on bail the following morning and before the gun was even recovered!!! While he was given the luxury to go home and celebrate the 4th of July holiday with his friends and family, Jayda's family and friends were devastated and forced to experience the harsh pains of having to plan a candlelight vigil and then Jayda's memorial arrangements.

It is absolutely ludicrous and unacceptable that this young man took Jayda's life and has faced no serious consequences as of yet. Samuel and his friends have been parading online on social media that they have access to firearms and that the gun that killed Jayda will never be found.  These other teens should be at risk of being charged with obstruction of justice and being accessories to murder.

In King County Washington, alone, as of July 18, 2024, there have been 17 children that have been victims of homicide. Many of these murders were committed by other adolescents. 

Our community has been in shock and we have become very apprehensive to allow our children to go anywhere out of our sight, with a fear that something like this could happen to them.  Jayda should be alive today and no family should ever have to suffer this pain.

We are calling for "Liberty & Justice for Jayda" and for all of the children and their families who have been victims of atrocious crimes perpetrated by juvenile delinquents. The primary objective of this Petition, is to bring awareness to our communities about the recent increase in violent youth crime, which is quickly on the rise. It must be stopped and we believe that by working together, we will make a strong impact in our efforts to push lawmakers to enact harsher sentencing in the juvenile criminal justice system.  We believe that the changes we are proposing, will reduce the occurrence of juvenile crime and create safer communities, especially for our children.  

The alarming rise in atrocious crimes committed by juvenile offenders, is a matter of great concern. Presently, the judicial system provides relatively lighter sentences for juvenile offenders, giving them opportunities for reform and rehabilitation. However, cases involving serious offenses like murder, must be addressed with more severity.

1) We are looking for lawmakers to put in place a "NO BAIL. NO RELEASE." policy for juveniles who commit crimes, such as murder. That there be a minimum hold time of 24 to 72 hours requiring the juvenile to remain in police custody while the details of the crime be investigated. They should be prohibited from being released under an Order to wear an ankle monitor, which can be cut off and allow for the juvenile to evade prosecution.

2) We propose that juveniles who choose to be in possession of a firearm, be tried as adults in a court of law and that they should adhere to the same penalties that an adult would, if they were to have committed the crime.  This would include the placement of minors in juvenile detention until they are 18 years old, followed by the possibility of a jail sentence. When a juvenile harms or takes the life of another, traumatizing entire families, there must be serious consequences already in place that will take effect immediately.  

This harsher sentencing will act as a deterrent for future criminal behavior and will also serve as a preventive measure to help kids who do not have a criminal history, stay on the right path to success and keep them from committing similar acts of violence.

3) We propose that any juvenile who doesn't have a prior criminal history, but is found to be in illegal possession of a firearm, receive a minimum sentence of 6 months of community service interacting with victims of gun violence and be subject to monitored probation.  

We realize that there may be underlying issues in the lives of these juveniles who commit crimes that have not been properly addressed, so we also ask that they be Ordered to attend 12 months of counseling.  We feel this would be more beneficial than immediately placing them in juvenile detention or jail, which could increase the likelihood of them getting caught up in the criminal system and becoming lifelong criminals.

Our children need to be nurtured and encouraged to contribute positively to society. However, in instances where they veer off course and commit serious crimes, we as citizens, should require that the judicial system step in to deliver appropriate justice.  

4) Lastly, we propose that parents and guardians be held responsible for their minor children, until they are of legal age at 18.  A financial settlement in favor of the victimized families, would be used to pay for medical bills incurred and/or necessary memorial arrangements. It would also allow for the families to be able to take the necessary time off of work to grieve.  If it is found that the juvenile who perpetrated the crime has a prior criminal history, we propose that the parents also be at risk of being held criminally responsible for their minor child.

We are going to make a big push for ballot measures in Washington to change current legislation and this can be done with your help. We will call the new bill that outlines these changes “JAYDA'S LAW” and only good things come from Jayda. By enacting JAYDA'S LAW, she will create a legacy of change for the better, for all of us, especially our children. 

Update:  On July 9, 2024, after additional investigation by detectives, the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office finally filed adult charges for Murder 1st Degree, Murder 2nd Degree, Assault 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm on Gizaw in Superior Court. A Superior Court Judge approved an arrest warrant with a $2 million bail.  Gizaw appeared in Court pleading "Not Guilty" and is currently being held in a detention Center awaiting trial. He should be in prison and for a very long time.

Further update: The Bail hearing for Samuel Gizaw has been scheduled for September 4th, before Judge Anna Alexander.   

We are asking people to please email the Judge urging her not to release Gizaw. Her email address is judge@snoco.org    Please be sure to put in the subject line: STATE OF WASHINGTON vs Samuel L Gizaw,  Case #: 24-1-00932-31.

Join this fight for change today by signing this Petition that will help to create safer communities. Stiffer penalties for juvenile offenders is a MUST.  Do it for Jayda and all of the other kids that have recently died from teen gun violence so that they did not die in vain. Do it to protect your own children and those who you love.

We need YOU!!  If you are 18 years or older, please, please READ Jayda's story, SIGN, & SHARE this Petition with everyone you know today. 

Also, for any families who have lost their teens to gun violence we welcome you to please reach out to Jayda's Mom, Tabatha Johnson, on TikTok: tabatha0059 and/or on Instagram: tabathajean_23

Let's unite together. Losing a child is a pain that no one else can relate to, especially when it is in such a sudden violent way. We can support one another and demand change. Fight for our babies and bring justice to their names. We would love to hear any input you may have as to what new guidelines can be put in place to make positive changes that will save lives in your neighborhood, in communities across the nation, and around the world. Your support and thoughts are appreciated. 

Thank you!!!

Enact JAYDA'S LAW!!!           

    "NO BAIL, NO RELEASE!!!"