Baton Rouge, La. — A Louisiana family is grappling with grief and seeking justice following the tragic death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, which his mother, LaSonia Harris, believes was intricately orchestrated amidst a heated custody dispute.
According to law enforcement authorities, the young man was a victim of a murder plot allegedly devised by three individuals, identified as Derek Hollins, Jr., Calajia Jack, and Allyah Martin. This sinister plot unfolds as Steven Harris was embroiled in a custody battle over his young son with Martin, pointing to a possible motive behind the tragic incident.
The sequence of events leading to Steven’s disappearance began on July 17 when he left his home, escorted by an unfamiliar vehicle. This was the last time LaSonia would see her son alive. Days later, a grim discovery was made in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, where a body bearing multiple gunshot wounds was found, believed to be that of Steven.
The gravity of the situation intensified when West Feliciana Parish deputies apprehended the trio implicated in this heinous crime. The sheriff’s department has since been vehemently pursuing justice, fueled by disturbing revelations during the investigation, including Hollins admitting ownership of the murder weapon.
LaSonia described a tumult of emotions as she mourned the loss of her son, expressing her pain and utter bewilderment at the circumstances that led to such a brutal outcome. “The intentional attempt to hurt my family leaves me angry,” she stated, suggesting that the murder was a direct attack not just on her son but on her family’s well-being.
She remembered Steven as a vibrant college student with a profound passion for HBCU band music, having dedicated a decade to mastering his musical craft. His legacy, as described by his mother, is one of generosity and loyalty, attributes that made him a cherished member of his community.
The local sheriff, who acknowledged Steven’s positive reputation and connections within the community, assured that efforts were ongoing to ensure that justice prevails. “We are committed to securing a resolution that acknowledges the severity of this crime and provides some solace to the victim’s family,” he said.
In the meantime, Steven’s young son is being cared for by LaSonia and her husband, as they also anxiously await confirmation of the identity of the body found and the results of an autopsy. The family is preparing to bring Steven back to Louisiana for a final farewell, hoping to find some closure by laying him to rest with dignity.
This heartrending case highlights the severe repercussions that can emerge from domestic disputes, underscoring an urgent need for better protective measures and resources for individuals embroiled in custody battles. As the community rallies around the bereaved family, the call for justice grows louder, echoing through the corridors of the legal system in West Feliciana Parish and beyond.