Rock Hill Family Holds Vigil for Sister Lost to Gun Violence, Urges Community Action

Rock Hill Family Remembers Victim of Gun Violence

In the heart of Rock Hill, South Carolina, a family is still grappling with a tragic loss that occurred over three years ago. Trekeisha McMullen vividly recalls the moment she learned her baby sister, Alexis Massey, had been struck by a stray bullet. “I just screamed out, Alexis. And next thing you know, I was like, I could not breathe,” McMullen shared, her voice heavy with emotion. It was on May 10, 2021, when Massey was senselessly taken from her family during a gathering.

The Tragic Incident

That fateful day, Massey, the youngest of five siblings, was enjoying a party outside a home on Hagins and Getty Street. Tragedy struck when she was shot by someone driving by in a black Nissan Versa. She had moved to Spartanburg to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, but was back in Rock Hill to celebrate Mother’s Day when her life was cruelly cut short.

Authorities believe the shooting was gang-related, but despite their best efforts, they have yet to find the person responsible. “I know somebody out there knows something,” McMullen said, reflecting on the challenges posed by the silence of those who may have information. “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 United Against Gun Violence

The pain of losing Massey remains fresh. “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,” McMullen exclaimed. In the years since her sister’s death, special dates—like her birthday and the anniversary of her passing—are particularly difficult for the family. “We’re still struggling to this day,” she added.

In an effort to combat the violence that took Massey and continues to affect the community, several local, state, and federal agencies created a task force in 2022 focused on solving her case. As part of this initiative, McMullen and her son, Dacarian Jackson, have taken a stand, donning black shirts emblazoned with a powerful message: “No more silence, end gun violence.”

Rallying the Community

With a heartfelt plea for awareness, McMullen is inviting the community to come together this Sunday for a vigil at the Sanctuary of Life Outreach Center in Rock Hill. “We are asking the community to wear black in honor of Massey,” she said. This event is not just a tribute; it’s a call to action. “If you know something, please say something and stop the gun violence like it’s killing innocent people,” she urged.

In addition to raising awareness, police are offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to solving this case, emphasizing their commitment to ending gun violence in the community. As the vigil approaches, McMullen’s hope is to foster an environment of solidarity and support as they honor the memory of Alexis Massey and all the victims of this heartbreaking trend.

Looking Ahead

As the McMullen family prepares for this meaningful event, they remain determined to keep Alexis’s memory alive while working relentlessly to bring justice to their loved one and others affected by similar tragedies. In a world where gun violence seems all too common, Trekeisha McMullen’s voice is a reminder of the profound impact of these acts and the importance of community engagement in making a difference.