‘This has ripped a hole in our family’: Family seeks justice after mother of 6 was murdered

Tragic Shooting Robs Family of Beloved Mother

In a tragic incident that has left a family in grief and a community in shock, a mother of six was shot and killed on June 17th, near the intersection of Linwood Boulevard and Walrond Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. Known as a loving and devoted mother, Taylor Thomas succumbed to her injuries two days later, leaving behind six children, all under the age of 10.

Devastating Impact on the Family

Taylor’s death has left an unfillable void in her family. “Some of her babies are two, three, and four. They’ll never remember who their mother was,” said Deannia Ellis, who raised Taylor. “They robbed her from that and her kids from that, and that’s not fair,” she added, expressing the depth of loss experienced by her loved ones.

“This has ripped a hole in our family,” echoed Lawonia Carlton, Taylor’s biological mother. “It’s ripped a hole in my heart. There is not a moment that goes by that I don’t think about Taylor.”

A Plea for Justice

The Kansas City Police Department currently has no suspects in custody, and Taylor’s devastated family is imploring the public for their assistance. They hope that anyone with information regarding the deadly incident will come forward, not just for Taylor’s sake, but to aid in resolving all cases of unsolved gun violence plaguing the community.

“There is nothing that’s going to stop this until somebody stands up and says something and does something,” urged Mary Chavis, Taylor’s other stepmom. “If you see something, say something. Don’t be afraid.”

Ellis added, “We’re not supposed to bury our children. Our children are supposed to bury us. It’s not okay and we just want it to stop. We want justice for her and anyone who ever goes through this.”

Candlelight vigil in Taylor’s Memory

On June 30th, Taylor’s family held a candlelight vigil in her memory, hoping that the event might encourage those with information about the perpetrator to come forward. The poignant event served as a testament to Taylor’s valuable life and the impact her loss has had on her family and community.

Public Assistance Urged

Those with any information that may aid in this case are urged to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. A GoFundMe campaign has also been started to assist the family in managing Taylor’s funeral costs.

Continuing the Fight against Violence

As the Kansas City community grapples with yet another senseless act of violence, the call for justice continues. The public’s assistance is critical in the effort to ensure those responsible are held accountable. The hope remains that through collective action, this and other senseless acts of violence can be prevented in the future – turning a tragic loss into a catalyst for change.