On June 25th, my world was irrevocably changed. My youngest son JahMarcus T. Washington, a minor, lost his life to gun violence. He was accompanied by three other minors. The other minors told the police that he killed himself.  Who commits suicide in front of their “so called friends”. What friends would even allow it to take place. My son had a bright future ahead of him, he was not suicidal, and he was loved.  The police never checked the other children hands for gun powder residue, they never even did a proper investigation to begin with. They didn’t tape the crime scene off to control the crowd.
 The police never let me identify my son’s body on the scene, but they informed me that he was shot on his left side.  After seeing him in his casket, there was no trauma on his right side. It was clear as day by looking at him, that all the trauma was done on the left side. I never notice an exit wound. When I asked the funeral home director if I could have his hair cut, he told me he wouldn’t advise it. Especially in the back of his head.  I finally built up the courage to get a copy of the EMS Run (Report).  This report was very detailed, and  contained information in it , that the police never told me or my family.   

This whole situation, has left me and my children , his other family  devastated! How could they even begin to rule it as suicide if there was no gun powder residue found on my son’s hands??? 
The lack of empathy, sympathy, and determination exhibited by the local police during their investigation was shocking and disheartening to our grieving family. Our story is unique.  Although, we are one of many families both in our city and nationwide who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence and feeling let down by the policing system supposed to deliver justice! 

Homicides, especially those involving firearms, are a major problem in our society. On average, there are 39,773 gun deaths a year in the U.S, and less than half of these cases see an arrest (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2017). For those left behind, this is a double tragedy: a life taken and a killer left free.

For our children and community's sake, we demand an immediate improvement in the approach and sincerity associated with investigations of such serious crimes. Everyone deserves justice, respect, and closure, regardless of their age or circumstances. By signing this petition, you are standing with us and countless other grieving families in demanding better law enforcement response to homicides in our city. Please sign and let your voice be heard. Let's help ensure that no other family must endure the sorrow of feeling their case has been overlooked or mishandled by those who pledged to protect and serve.

JusticeForJahMarcus

My son was loving, to know him was to love him! He was very outspoken and fun to be around! He loved his family! He was very passionate about football and had big dreams to make it to the Pros. He also stated several times, if he could not play football, he wanted to be a coach! He was robbed of his dreams and goals. I just want justice for my son! He did not deserve what happened to him! 

JusticeForJahMarcus

A loving son, brother and uncle! 💙

My name is Yolonda Brice, and I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the handling of my son JahMarcus’s case. He was tragically murdered on June 25, 2024, at 2613 Grand Ave, Parsons, Kansas, while in the company of three other minors. At the time of his death, JahMarcus was only 17 years old.

When the police arrived at the scene, they initially assumed my son had committed suicide based on the information provided by one of the minors who made the 911 call. Unfortunately, the Parsons Police Department mishandled this case in several critical ways:

1. Lack of Forensic Investigation: The police did not check the hands of the three minors present for gunshot residue, despite requests from several individuals on the scene.
2. Control of the Crime Scene: The crime scene was not properly secured, allowing a large crowd to gather in my yard, which further complicated the investigation.
   3. Questionable Interviews: The three minors were interviewed together at the scene and later brought to the station with their parents. It was evident to the detectives that their stories did not align. How is it possible for three individuals who were in the same room with my son to provide conflicting accounts?
   4. Inadequate Support During Critical Moments: Instead of providing immediate medical assistance to my son, the police chose to interrogate my family, stating he had a faint pulse, while the EMTs were instructed to leave the scene. My son's body lay there for over three hours without assistance.
   5. Suppression of Evidence: The medical examiner confirmed on multiple occasions that the ruling was homicide, yet the Parsons Police Department has not made this information public. Furthermore, when I visited the police station on September 16 for an update, I was told the case had been deemed a suicide without proper justification.
   6. Failure to Pursue Accountability: Despite knowing the firearm’s owner, no charges have been pressed against the adult involved.
   The assistant chief, Dennis Dodd, indicated to me that he would assist with the case until I allegedly spoke negatively about him, which I never did. As a grieving mother, I am seeking justice for my son. I feel that the actions and inactions of the police demonstrate a troubling lack of concern and commitment to resolving this case.  My family and I deserve transparency and accountability in the investigation of JahMarcus’s death.

Sincerely,

Yolonda Brice