A 15-year-old girl from Terrebonne Parish is defying the odds as she recovers in a Texas hospital following an unthinkable ordeal that left her severely burned, shot in the face, and suffering long-term physical trauma.
Authorities say the girl’s own mother and her mother’s boyfriend are behind one of the most disturbing abuse cases local officials have ever encountered.
The teenager, identified as Tamyra by a GoFundMe, is currently undergoing intensive medical treatment after being discovered in March 2024, with third- and fourth-degree burns covering over 30% of her body, multiple gunshot wounds to her face, and evidence of long-term physical and sexual abuse.
She has lost an eye, several teeth, and her lower jaw was shattered by the shooting.
Despite the horrific injuries, her family says the teen remains mentally resilient and hopeful.
She’s staying strong, smiling, and inspiring everyone around her, relatives hinted in a statement posted to her GoFundMe campaign. Medical staff in Texas treating the teen echoed the sentiment, calling her “a remarkable spirit.”
According to Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet, the case came to light after the teenager was found shot and burned in a vehicle in a remote area.
Investigators quickly identified her mother, Latonya Harris, and Harris’s boyfriend, Terrence Washington, as the suspects. Both face charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and aggravated sexual assault.
Authorities allege the pair tried to kill the teen to cover up months—if not years—of abuse. A detailed investigation revealed evidence of repeated physical assault, neglect, and sexual violence.
During an emotional press conference, Sheriff Soignet called the case “one of the most heinous acts of child abuse our office has ever investigated,” expressing outrage over the betrayal the young girl endured from her own family.
In the wake of the attack, the teen has undergone multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and will require numerous additional procedures, including reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. Her recovery journey is expected to take years.
The family hopes the GoFundMe campaign will raise money for ongoing medical costs not covered by insurance. Support has poured in from across the country, with donors praising the teen’s bravery and offering messages of hope. As of April 17, 2025, $41,768 has been raised by the campaign, representing 93% of the $45,000 target.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings are moving forward.
Harris and Washington were arraigned on June 24, 2024, to kick off the trial. Prosecutors say they will pursue maximum penalties.
As the teen continues to heal, the community and legal advocates are calling for deeper scrutiny into child protection failures and support for long-term trauma recovery programs.
