At times her pain was so profound that Sahtika Begley found it hard to speak but through long pauses and tears she made a desperate plea for justice. She did so in hopes that whoever shot her 16-year-old daughter Sunday night might turn themselves in.
Deberianah Begley was standing outside of her family's apartment in the Cayce Homes on Sunday night when gunfire started. The 16-year-old tried to run for cover but was hit once in the neck, she was feet away from her front door.
Teen Fatally Shot While Fleeing Gunfire In Nashville
"My heart is broken to pieces and we'll never be the same. Whoever did this, turn yourself in! You need to be in jail. She was just 16. She didn't deserve this at all," Sahtika Begley said Monday as tears streamed down her face.
Deberianah was a bright, funny, outgoing teenager who loved school. The 11th grader at Stratford High School was a dancer who planned to go to law school.
On Sunday, she became Nashville's 91st homicide victim this year.
"I was holing my baby in my arms when she died. Taking her last breath. No mother should have to see their daughter die in their arms. We can never get her back," Sahtika Begley said.
Metro police have not made any arrests in Deberianah's murder. Her funeral arrangements were still being made.
A vigil was held Monday night at James Cayce Homes. Dozens of neighbors, friends and family members mourned her death, while also celebrating her life.
They prayed, sang and released balloons in her honor. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the balloons drifted into the night sky.
