A community is coming together to help the family of Cheyenne Russell, a young East Texas woman police say was murdered in her Tyler apartment this week.
Family, friends and community members are mourning the death of Russell, 26, who was found dead of gunshot wounds in his Bellwood Road apartment Monday afternoon.
More than $14,000 had been raised through an online GoFundMe campaign by Thursday morning, with more than 145 people donating. To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/helptherussellfamily.
The campaign’s goal is $20,000, which will help pay for Russell’s funeral. Organizers say the remaining funds will be used to care for the children.
Russell was the mother of two children, ages 3 and 4. Her loved ones say she was a bright spot in everyone’s lives.
Cheyenne Russell
The GoFundMe campaign was started by Sharon King, a family friend of Cheyenne’s parents, Allen and Jennifer Russell. King wrote in the description of the online fundraiser that she loves Cheyenne like her own child.
“Dealing with the unspeakable tragedy surrounding Cheyenne’s murder is more than any parent can bear,” Dr. King wrote. “This stressful situation is further exacerbated by the financial needs that will arise as we plan a very unexpected funeral and memorial service and take over the care of baby Cheyenne.”
King said the fundraiser was set up with the Russells’ permission to alleviate some of the financial stress.
“If you are able, please donate to help ease some of the anxiety as we begin this grieving process,” the fundraiser description says.
Police say Jorian Jackson, 29, Russell’s ex-girlfriend and the father of one of her children, is responsible for Russell’s death. Police say the children are safe with other family members at this time.
Jackson has not been arrested, but a murder warrant has been issued with a $1 million bond. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.
Jorian Jackson
Russell’s parents said in an interview with CBS19 that Jackson allegedly has a history of harming their daughter. Police said she had been trying to run away from Jackson for the past year and was in the process of applying for a non-disclosure order against him.
Despite her best efforts to protect Russell’s children from the growing tensions, Jennifer told CBS19 she couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of fear as things started to spiral out of control.
“I never expected him to go this far for his children,” his mother told CBS19. “He has hurt her several times over the last few years and she has finally found her voice and this time she is done with him.”
The Russells want to raise awareness about domestic violence and hope their pain can help others suffering in silence.
“Our hearts are broken, but we want people to know that anyone in a domestic violence situation should get help and leave,” Jennifer said.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can call the national hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
