In a tragic incident that has left a family and community grieving, 21-year-old Breaja Jones of Clovis, California, was fatally shot in her home on Oct. 19, allegedly by her former partner, Tavion Tapscott.
Jones, a young mother aspiring to become a phlebotomist, was remembered by friends and family as a loving and determined individual who wanted a bright future for herself and her two-year-old daughter, Jaliah.
Brishae Allen, a close friend of Jones, described her drive to build a better life.
“As soon as she had her daughter, she knew she had to make things happen for her baby,” Allen told local news outlet KFSN. “She called her Dream, and she’s like, ‘I got to do it for Dream.’”
That vision was shattered in a moment, as Allen explained how “everything changed, literally in the blink of an eye.”
Authorities report that Tapscott, who was present in the home that day along with others, allegedly opened fire on Jones before fleeing the scene.
He later turned himself in to law enforcement and now faces murder and child endangerment charges. Tapscott has pleaded not guilty.
Jones’s mother, Tracie Walker, expressed the family’s devastation at the loss, particularly for her granddaughter who now faces life without her mother and, effectively, her father as well.
“She was such a sweet soul, and for someone to take her life so prematurely, it’s just beyond heartbreaking,” Walker said.
In light of the tragedy, the family is encouraging awareness about domestic violence and urging anyone in abusive relationships to seek help.
“Get out while you have a life, while you’re living,” Walker said. “Don’t think there’s anything too strong that can stop you from getting out of it.”
Jones’s family described her as generous and caring, always putting her loved ones first.
“She always, always made sure her family was good,” Allen added.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence, with advocates calling for greater public awareness and support for those in need.
For those experiencing domestic abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers support at 1-800-799-7233.
