Rock Hill Remembers: A Family’s Plea Against Gun Violence
In the heart of Rock Hill, South Carolina, the pain of loss still echoes in the lives of those who loved Alexis Massey. Trekeisha McMullen, Alexis’ older sister, vividly recalls the moment her life was shattered. It was May 10, 2021, a day that should have been filled with celebration for Mother’s Day. Instead, it became a nightmare that still haunts McMullen. “I just screamed out, Alexis. And next thing you know, I was like, I could not breathe,” McMullen shared, her voice trembling as she spoke about her beloved sister.
Even though three years have passed, the grief feels as fresh as ever. “Our lives have changed. Do you know how many times I’ve had dreams about her? She comes to our dreams, and you wake up and it’s like it’s not real,” she said, painting a picture of the lingering heartache. The anniversary of Alexis’ death and her birthday are particularly tough times for the family, as they continue to grapple with an empty space that can never be filled.
The Tragic Circumstances
On that fateful day, Alexis, the youngest of five children, was standing outside a home on Hagins and Getty Street, enjoying a gathering with friends and family. In what was reported to be a random act of violence, a stray bullet from a passing car—driven by an unidentified individual in a black Nissan Versa—took her life. At the time, Alexis had relocated to Spartanburg to pursue her business dreams but was back in Rock Hill to celebrate with her loved ones when tragedy struck.
Authorities believe that the shooting was gang-related, making the search for the shooter even more complicated. Despite the ongoing investigation, the police have not yet identified the individual responsible for this heartbreaking incident. “I know somebody out there knows something,” McMullen urged. “But you know, the code, like when people in gangs, if you say something you’re a snitch. But I just feel like somebody out there knows something.”
A Community’s Call to Action
In response to the wave of gun violence that has affected not just their family but the community as a whole, a task force was established in 2022. This coalition consists of various local, state, and federal agencies dedicated to solving Alexis’ case and addressing the broader epidemic of gun violence. McMullen and her son, Dacarian Jackson, have been at the forefront of this movement, donning black shirts adorned with a powerful message: “No more silence, end gun violence.”
They passionately call for community members to break the silence that often surrounds such acts of violence. “If you know something, please say something and stop the gun violence. It’s killing innocent people,” McMullen emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for collective action against such tragedies.
A Vigil for Awareness
This Sunday, the family is hosting an awareness vigil at the Sanctuary of Life Outreach Center in Rock Hill. They are inviting the community to come together and wear black in honor of Alexis and all victims of gun violence. In addition, the police department has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the resolution of Alexis’ case, hoping to encourage anyone who might have information to step forward.
The event is a heartfelt reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the desperate need to prevent more families from experiencing similar heartache. As the community gathers to remember Alexis, there is a shared hope that together, they can create a safer environment for everyone.
In Rock Hill, the call for an end to gun violence rings louder than ever, as families like McMullen’s strive for healing and justice to honor the lives lost.
