In an unimaginable sequence of events, Brittney Ross is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of her two children, 14-year-old Ah’Bralen Rider and 6-year-old Ah’Laynah Modica-Ross, both falling victim to gun violence within days of each other.
The devastating ordeal unfolded on Jan. 10 at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas, where Brittney Ross was preparing to bid farewell to her son Ah’Bralen, who had succumbed to gun violence on Dec 31.
The situation took a tragic turn when she received a call informing her that her daughter Ah’Laynah had been shot. The six-year-old was rushed to Children’s Medical Center but tragically passed away from a gunshot wound to the head.
Details surrounding the incident indicate that 19-year-old Damariya Sowels has been taken into custody. He faces charges of tampering with evidence and has three unrelated outstanding warrants.
Sowels reportedly admitted to bringing two guns into the home where Ah’Laynah was shot, and it remains unclear whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.
Authorities have not clarified if the young girl was shot by someone else in the house or if the firearm was discharged accidentally.
Ah’Bralen’s death on December 31 near Harry Hines Boulevard in the Oak Lawn neighborhood had already left the family shattered. While a 16-year-old was arrested in connection to his death, details surrounding the incident remain scarce.
Michael Key, Brittney Ross’s father, expressed the family’s anguish, stating:
“It’s a nightmare. We’re living in a nightmare right now. Dealing with the loss of two grandbabies back-to-back. It’s hard right now, especially this little one. This was my heart.”
Ah’Laynah, who celebrated her sixth birthday on Dec 27, was described as a “good child,” sweet, smart, and highly intelligent.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs and support Brittney and her four remaining children during this incredibly challenging time.
The campaign has already garnered significant support, with donors expressing their condolences and offering messages of comfort to the grieving mother.
