GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The community is mourning the tragic loss of 13-year-old Jaleeyah Tune, who was fatally shot just days before Christmas, leaving her family shattered and grappling with unbearable grief. Among those most affected is her older sister, J’Sheeyah Tune, who held Jaleeyah as she took her final breaths, an experience that has deeply marked her.
Whitney Brown-Tune, Jaleeyah’s mother, expressed her heartache over the unexpected death of her daughter, whose life was cut short amid the holiday season. She described a painful juxtaposition of joy and sorrow, mentioning unwrapped gifts that will never be opened. “I never imagined planning a funeral during this time,” Brown-Tune said, overwhelmed by the loss.
Jaleeyah was shot around 4:30 p.m. on a Sunday as she walked home with friends to grab a bite to eat. According to her sister, a group of unfamiliar boys suddenly emerged from the bushes and opened fire. J’Sheeyah recalled the horrific moment when she turned back to find her sister injured. “She looked so scared. I was terrified myself,” J’Sheeyah said, recalling the distressing scene and the blood on her hands that she couldn’t bear to wipe away.
Described by her family as vibrant and supportive, Jaleeyah was a seventh grader known for her friendly and bubbly personality. “She was a helper who brought joy to those around her,” her mother reflected. The family remains distraught over the senselessness of her death. “She didn’t deserve this. Now, I have to find a way to live without my sister,” J’Sheeyah stated poignantly.
In connection with the shooting, Goldsboro Police have detained three boys, two aged 16 and one aged 15. The suspects face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy, although investigators have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to understand the events leading up to the tragedy.
As the community rallies to support the grieving family, questions linger about youth violence and the measures needed to prevent such losses in the future. Jaleeyah’s death has cast a shadow over what should have been a season of celebration, highlighting a deeper issue that demands attention and action.
Jaleeyah’s family hopes to find comfort in shared memories and the love that will forever hold them together, even as they navigate this profound loss.