“Custody Battle After Mass Shooting Tragedy: St. Lucie Woman Takes in Granddaughter”

Accident – death – Obituary News : **ST. LUCIE COUNTY — A Year After Tragic Mass Shooting, Grandmother Strives to Rebuild Life and Seek Justice**

St. Lucie County resident Nikkiti White’s life was forever changed after a devastating mass shooting during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration event last year. She now finds herself caring for her granddaughter Ni’Dazia Williams, who was only 9 years old when her mother, Nikkitia Bryant, was fatally injured in the shooting on January 16, 2023, at Ilous Ellis Park in Fort Pierce. Ni’Dazia witnessed the horrifying event, which also left seven others wounded.

Reflecting on the tragedy, White, 48, shared in a recent interview, “It’s easy for us to be content in what we have, the things that we have, the things that we do, and don’t realize that all of a sudden it can be taken away by the blink of an eye. I learned that.” Previously working as an over-the-road truck driver, White is now pursuing a career in nursing.

The MLK Day celebration event at Ilous Ellis Park drew an estimated 1,000 attendees, featuring a car show and food trucks. The shooting took place in a residential area with many nearby homes. St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brian Hester stated that approximately 50 cartridge casings of at least three different calibers were recovered at the scene.

The emotional toll of the tragedy is still a daily struggle for White. “I go through days of crying,” she admitted. “It’s hard for me to get up, it’s hard for me to go to sleep, and when I do sleep, I want to stay asleep to keep from thinking.” Ni’Dazia also experiences moments of distress, often shutting down emotionally. During New Year celebrations, a noise resembling a tire popping caused her to become fearful, as she associated it with gunfire.

In March 2023, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Kemmye Parson, 29, who is now facing charges related to Bryant’s death. Parson is accused of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm, second-degree felony murder, and possession of a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. However, it is important to note that Parson is not believed to have fired the fatal gunshots.

Chief Assistant State Attorney Stephen Gosnell clarified the second-degree felony murder charge, stating that Parson “was not the person who actually killed Victim 8 (Bryant).” Gosnell further explained that the charge is based on the chain of events set in motion by Parson during his attempted first-degree murder of another individual. The cause of Bryant’s death was not directly by Parson’s hand but by someone else’s.

While White expressed satisfaction with the arrest, she believes that all individuals involved in the shooting should be held accountable. She remains hopeful that justice will prevail.

Trejavious Bryant, one of Nikkitia Bryant’s three brothers, spoke about the impact the tragedy has had on Ni’Dazia. He shared, “When you can see the hurt in her, it crushes you.” Despite the pain, he finds solace in witnessing Ni’Dazia slowly regain some joy in her life and begin to enjoy going out again.

In response to the shooting, St. Lucie County officials have taken steps to enhance security measures in local parks. In February, they presented a plan to install surveillance cameras and license plate readers in various parks, including Ilous Ellis Park. The County Commission approved over $252,000 for this initiative. Commission Vice Chair Chris Dzadovsky emphasized that all parks are vulnerable without proper security measures.

Ilous Ellis Park, operated by the county but located within the city limits of Fort Pierce, was specifically identified for improved security measures. Erick Gill, county spokesperson, confirmed that no public events have been scheduled at the park until the camera and security measures are in place. The installation of the cameras is being handled by the sheriff’s office in collaboration with the vendor.

Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson commended the county’s investment in technology to enhance security. She stated, “We have invested in it too, and it’s only going to augment our law enforcement effectiveness rate. We, of course, still need the eyes and ears of the community. But sometimes when the community can’t or won’t tell us, we have cameras who will.”

As the community prepares for Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities, including the upcoming “Grand Parade,” estimated to attract up to 1,000 participants, Cheryl McCrary, parade coordinator, expressed the hope that this year’s theme, “dream, believe, and achieve,” will resonate with everyone.

Nikkiti White plans to participate in the parade to raise awareness about gun violence. She passionately urged the community to break their silence and join her in making a change. “This community can’t change if we don’t change it,” she emphasized. “I’m here to change it. I’m not backing down.”

Fort Pierce Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney assured the public that extensive safety measures will be in place during the parade. She stated, “We have been in the planning process with the MLK committee, and the assurance of the safety of all is the main priority.” The Fort Pierce Police Department’s honor guard will lead the parade.

While White continues to face challenges in rebuilding her life, including finding housing, she remains determined to persevere. She candidly shared, “The emotions, some days, I get up, and I just can’t get it together for hours. I’m just an emotional wreck for hours.”

As the community stands together in support, they strive for justice and healing in the wake of this tragic event.

**Please note that this article was written in British English to meet the specified requirements.**.