Survivor of gun violence shares story as Jackson addresses violence against women
In an urgent community gathering, a Jackson woman bravely shared her experience as a survivor of gun violence. Crystal Emery, who faced a traumatic shooting incident in April, highlighted the alarming issue of violence against women in the city during a meeting dedicated to this pressing problem.
Emery revealed that while trying to escape gunfire with her seven-year-old son in their car, she was shot by her ex-husband—a violent act that she considers emblematic of the risks many women face today. “I tried to get in my car and leave, then he opened fire four times into the vehicle. I stretched my body out to protect my seven-year-old son who was in the front seat of the car, which resulted in me catching one of the bullets of the four,” she recounted. “I just don’t feel that the women are truly protected,” she added, emphasizing her fear and the systemic issues surrounding domestic violence.
This year, Jackson Police have reported ten homicides involving female victims, with the Robbery and Homicide Unit detailing the circumstances of these cases. Among them, two resulted from domestic violence, while others stemmed from disputes, robberies, and incidents with unclear motives. By comparison, twelve female homicide cases were recorded in the previous year.
Emery expressed concern for the many women affected by gun violence who never get the opportunity to share their stories. “There are so many men that are projecting this gun violence on women, and a lot of times they don’t make it out. They don’t get a chance to tell their story,” she explained, underlining the silence that often surrounds victims.
The case of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune, whose tragic death is currently being investigated as a homicide after her body was discovered hanging from a tree, further emphasizes the seriousness of the situation. Three men have been charged in connection to her case, marking yet another alarming statistic in Jackson’s struggle against violence directed at women.
Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes articulated the broader implications of these violent acts. “What it is, it’s an attack on Black women. You just had a Black woman hung, and now you have another Black woman killed coming out of a store,” he stated, calling attention to the racial dynamics of the violence being discussed.
In response to these troubling trends, community leaders, residents, and business owners are set to converge at a special event from 4-8 p.m. on Friday at Steamer’s Shrimp and Crab Market located in Freedom Corner. The event aims to facilitate discussions regarding the causes of violence against women and to promote community engagement in addressing this critical issue.
Antonio Pope, owner of Steamer’s Shrimp and Crab Market, emphasized the role of socioeconomic factors in fostering violence. “That’s our number one driver for violence, and it is poverty,” he noted, suggesting that tackling the root causes may be essential for real change.
Through this gathering, participants hope to encourage dialogue, raise awareness, and ultimately work towards solutions that will help prevent more women from becoming statistics in Jackson’s rising homicide rates.