ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – This weekend marks two years since 9-year-old T’Yonna Major was killed in a deadly shooting spree in Pine Hills. Now, her family is turning their grief into action, leading a walk against gun violence in her honor.
The event comes just days after the family joined a lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, alleging deputies failed to properly investigate the suspect before the shooting.
T’Yonna was one of three people killed on Feb. 22, 2023, when a gunman also took the lives of TV journalist Dylan Lyons and 38-year-old Nathacha Augustin. As the two-year mark approaches, her family is calling for greater awareness and action against gun violence.
“It’s hard to believe she’s been gone for two years already,” said Phyllis Turner, a relative of T’Yonna.
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The family-led walk drew community members, advocates, and local leaders, all standing in solidarity to honor victims of gun violence.
“This is to continue to bring awareness on gun violence and how too many lives have been lost senselessly, not only in this community but in our town,” Turner added. “Something needs to be done.”
Angel Brantley, another family member, expressed gratitude for the support.
“It means a lot to us to see all of these people showing up because that means they’re standing for something, that means that they want an end to this gun violence,” Brantley said.
In addition to their advocacy, T’Yonna’s family has joined a lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, accusing deputies of negligence in handling events leading up to the shooting. The lawsuit claims that a lack of proper investigation contributed to the tragedy.
“Nothing for us is ever going to be the same. My sons, my nieces and nephews, they miss her tremendously,” Brantley said. “And the community, we need to start coming together because it will not stop if more of us don’t stand up for this.”
As the fight for justice continues, T’Yonna’s family hopes their efforts will lead to lasting change and prevent future tragedies.
