A fundraiser has been launched to help the family of 5-year-old Zah’Layah Walton with funeral and memorial expenses after she was killed in a shooting in northwest Harris County, Texas.
Zah’Layah’s mother, Monica Hicks, created the GoFundMe following her daughter’s death. The campaign has a $16,000 goal and had raised more than $7,000 as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the Houston Chronicle. More than 160 people had contributed.
“Our hearts are shattered by the heartbreaking loss of 5-year-old Zah’Layah,” the fundraiser states. “No family is ever prepared to lose a child, and no parent should have to face the unimaginable pain of planning a funeral for their little girl.”
Zah’Layah was riding with her mother and four siblings along Grant Road near Jones Road late Saturday when gunfire struck their vehicle. She was shot and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Two of her siblings were injured by shattered glass.
“[Zah’Layah] was the light of my life. That was my baby,” Hicks said. “All of my children were there. They witnessed their sister lifeless on the floor, and they are traumatized.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Jeremy Porter, 47, was arrested Sunday and charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting. Investigators used automated license plate reader technology to help identify and locate Porter’s vehicle.
As the criminal case moves forward, the fundraiser is focused on helping Hicks and her children cope with Zah’Layah’s death and the financial costs associated with laying her to rest.
“Please help us honor Zah’Layah’s precious life and give her family the support they need to lay their beautiful little girl to rest,” the fundraiser states.
