A devastating event occurred in Middleton, Wisconsin, on February 18, leaving an indelible mark on a family and sending shockwaves through the community.
Jessica Jessmon, a 34-year-old paralegal student, fatally shot her two children, Mya and Major Lacey Robinson, aged eight and five, before taking her own life. The children’s father, Sedale Lacey-Robinson, 31, was also critically injured in the incident but managed to survive.
According to the Middleton Police Department, the shooting occurred with a handgun at a residence on Maywood Avenue around 7:40 p.m. Sedale Lacey-Robinson, trying to escape the scene, was shot multiple times but succeeded in surviving the ordeal and was later discharged from intensive care.
The demise of Mya and Major is deeply mourned, as family members have described them as “radiant individuals filled with laughter, curiosity, and limitless potential” on a GoFundMe page established in their memory.
The Middleton community has rallied together in the face of this tragedy. A vigil was organized at Lakeview Park, attracting over a hundred community members to remember the children and offer solace to the bereaved family. Mayor Emily Kuhn addressed the gathering, speaking of the resilience of the community in challenging times.
Jessica Jessmon, as per her LinkedIn profile, was a student at Madison Area Technical College, on track to graduate this May. She had a varied career history, having worked in roles such as a pharmacy technician, call center receptionist, and financial analyst.
This tragic incident has ignited discussions about domestic violence and the necessity for community support and resources. The Middleton Police Department reiterated its commitment to investigate domestic violence cases and uphold the law to safeguard the community.
Experts in domestic violence, such as Shannon Barry, the executive director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), emphasized the importance of providing support for those affected by domestic violence. Barry stated that although violence is rarely committed by women, it remains a significant problem that requires readily available assistance and belief in victims’ narratives.
The incident has also drawn attention to the potential effects of federal funding cuts on domestic violence services in Wisconsin. Barry underscored the necessity for consistent aid to avert future tragedies.
The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, where Mya and Major were enrolled, expressed sorrow over the loss, illustrating the pervasive sadness that has engulfed the community.
Some acquaintances and friends have brought up Jessmon’s previous struggles with drug addiction and mental health challenges.