Police chaplain grieves nephew killed in Shreveport shooting
SHREVEPORT, La. — For seven years, Jessica Haley has been a source of comfort for families grieving the loss of loved ones to violence in Shreveport.Now, the police chaplain is navigating a tragedy of her own.Haley's 13-year-old nephew, Sha'Michal Russell, was shot and killed Monday night at the Olde Salem Village Apartments in west Shreveport.Russell was one of three people injured in the shooting. Haley said he was playing with his younger sister when gunfire erupted.She said Russell used his body to shield his sister from the bullets."He was protecting his sister," Haley said.Haley said the decision matched the boy she knew — someone who loved his younger sister and was willing to protect her."It was not a doubt in my mind that if this were to happen again, he would make the same decision every day," Haley said. "He would die to save his little sister."Haley described her nephew as a kind and playful young man who helped neighbors, took out the trash, and loved making people laugh."He was such a good young man," she said. "Take out the trash for everybody. Help the neighbors. With goofy little jokes, loved to laugh, loved to play."She said Russell also loved God, gospel music and sports.Despite her own grief, Haley said her work as a police chaplain continues.She has spent years supporting families and Shreveport police officers dealing with the aftermath of violence. Now, she is helping her own family through the same kind of tragedy."Even as a chaplain, you still don't quit," Haley said. "I don't think that our officers don't hurt when they're pulling our babies from the pavement."Police have arrested Javieon Abbott, 19, in connection with Russell's death. Investigators said Abbott also faces additional charges of attempted murder.Haley said she hopes the violence eventually ends so fewer families have to experience the kind of grief she is now facing."Something must — this must stop," Haley said. "We need, we're crying out now. We're crying out for our city to pray."Police said a 2-year-old and a 17-year-old were also injured in the shooting and are expected to survive.
Shreveport Police Chaplain Jessica Haley comforts nephew after learning of the death of nephew Sha'michal Russell, 13
SHREVEPORT, La. — For seven years, Jessica Haley has been a source of comfort for families grieving the loss of loved ones to violence in Shreveport.
Now, the police chaplain is navigating a tragedy of her own.
Haley's 13-year-old nephew, Sha'Michal Russell, was shot and killed Monday night at the Olde Salem Village Apartments in west Shreveport.
Russell was one of three people injured in the shooting. Haley said he was playing with his younger sister when gunfire erupted.
She said Russell used his body to shield his sister from the bullets.
"He was protecting his sister," Haley said.
Haley said the decision matched the boy she knew — someone who loved his younger sister and was willing to protect her.
"It was not a doubt in my mind that if this were to happen again, he would make the same decision every day," Haley said. "He would die to save his little sister."
Haley described her nephew as a kind and playful young man who helped neighbors, took out the trash, and loved making people laugh.
"He was such a good young man," she said. "Take out the trash for everybody. Help the neighbors. With goofy little jokes, loved to laugh, loved to play."
She said Russell also loved God, gospel music and sports.
Despite her own grief, Haley said her work as a police chaplain continues.
She has spent years supporting families and Shreveport police officers dealing with the aftermath of violence. Now, she is helping her own family through the same kind of tragedy.
"Even as a chaplain, you still don't quit," Haley said. "I don't think that our officers don't hurt when they're pulling our babies from the pavement."
Police have arrested Javieon Abbott, 19, in connection with Russell's death. Investigators said Abbott also faces additional charges of attempted murder.
Haley said she hopes the violence eventually ends so fewer families have to experience the kind of grief she is now facing.
"Something must — this must stop," Haley said. "We need, we're crying out now. We're crying out for our city to pray."
Police said a 2-year-old and a 17-year-old were also injured in the shooting and are expected to survive.
