“Justice for Zameria”: Itta Bena Mother Demands Accountability After 10-Year-Old Daughter Shot and Killed in Tragic Incident

ITTA BENA, MISSISSIPPI — The peaceful Delta town of Itta Bena has been rocked by the heartbreaking and violent death of 10-year-old Zameria, a bright, energetic child whose life was cut short by a senseless act of gun violence. As investigators continue their probe, Zameria’s mother is making sure her daughter’s memory is not buried beneath silence.

“She was just a kid. Had a big, bright future ahead. Very smart and outgoing. My baby didn’t deserve to suffer,” her mother said through tears. “If I could have traded places with her that night, I would have.”

Zameria was shot and killed late one night while inside her family’s home—a place that should have been a sanctuary. According to initial reports, gunfire erupted outside the house in what authorities suspect was a targeted shooting. A stray bullet entered through a wall or window and struck the young girl while she was watching television in the living room.

The sudden and brutal nature of her death has stunned residents and sent waves of grief and outrage through the close-knit community. Her family says she had just finished her homework, and was settling in for the night with her siblings. Moments later, chaos unfolded.

“We were just sitting there,” her mother recalled. “She was laughing just seconds before. Then I heard the shots. And she screamed. And then… nothing.”

A Future Stolen

Zameria was a standout student at her elementary school. Teachers and classmates alike remember her as a leader in the classroom, always eager to help others and passionate about learning. She wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. She loved to sing, play dress-up, and read books to her younger siblings.

“She was one of those children who touched everyone she met,” said her fourth-grade teacher. “She had dreams, she had goals. She wanted to make the world better.”

Her loss has left a gaping hole not only in her home, but in the heart of the entire community.

An Ongoing Investigation, But No Arrests

So far, authorities have not identified any suspects or made arrests in the shooting. Investigators believe the gunfire may have been connected to ongoing disputes between individuals in the area, but Zameria and her family were not the intended targets. The family, however, says that’s not good enough.

“She was innocent. She was 10. She was at home. How does something like this happen, and no one is held responsible?” her mother asked. “I want to know who pulled that trigger. I want to know why my baby isn’t here anymore.”

Frustration continues to grow over what many see as a slow and unclear investigation. Community members are now calling for increased police presence, stricter gun safety enforcement, and more support for families impacted by violence.

From Grief to Action

Since her daughter’s death, Zameria’s mother has become a fierce advocate, turning her anguish into action. She organizes weekly vigils, leads marches, and speaks at town meetings. Her message is simple: This cannot happen again.

“She’s gone. And I’ll never get her back. But if I have any strength left, I’ll use it to protect the next child. To speak for the next mother. To fight for justice.”

Across Mississippi and beyond, Zameria’s name is now being shared widely. Hashtags like #JusticeforZameria, #Forever10, and #TeamZameria continue to trend on social media, amplifying the call for justice and systemic change.

A Lasting Legacy

Though her life was short, Zameria’s impact was profound. Her story has become a tragic symbol of the innocent lives lost to gun violence—children who should have been protected, not buried.

“I loved her more than anything in this world,” her mother said. “And I always will. She’ll live on through me, through her siblings, and through every single person who refuses to let her name be forgotten.”

The family is asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. A reward has been offered for tips leading to an arrest.

In Itta Bena, one mother continues to raise her voice, louder than the silence around her: “Justice for Zameria.”

And the world is beginning to listen.