A man shot and killed his girlfriend inside a McDonald’s before taking his own life. The harrowing public display of domestic violence happened in Brandon, Mississippi, on June 16, when 25-year-old Kianna Jackson and 27-year-old Jhonterryes Dampier were at the Stribling Lane McDonald’s branch.
Dampier, a resident of Mendenhall, reportedly brandished a firearm and discharged it at Jackson, a mother of two from Pearl. The children were fathered by Dampier, who later turned the gun on himself. While there were kids at the restaurant at the time of the incident, it is unclear if the children they shared with were present.
Reports say the shooting occurred around 7 p.m. last Monday. Police were called to the scene and found Jackson dead on the restaurant’s floor with a single gunshot wound, according to Brandon Police Chief Joseph French. Authorities also discovered Dampier with a gunshot wound, which they described as self-inflicted.
Though he opened fire on himself, firing a bullet in the chest, he was still responsive. He was taken to a nearby hospital. On Wednesday, he succumbed to his injuries.
People, citing Brandon Mayor Butch Lee’s statement to WJTV, confirmed that among the witnesses inside the restaurant were children. “This was a horrible incident. It’s even more tragic when a domestic situation like this happens in front of children,” he said and sent prayers for those impacted by the shooting.
Following the incident, Jackson’s family sought financial assistance through GoFundMe to help with the funeral expenses and with the care of the children, who are identified as a 5-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. The fundraising page sought $22,000, and on June 22, more than $15,000 had been donated. The page also described Jackson lovingly, calling her “a cherished mother” to her children and “a beloved daughter and friend” to her loved ones.
The owner of the McDonald’s location where the incident occurred, O’Ferrall Management Group, expressed that his establishment is saddened by the shooting and that those affected will remain in their prayers. The statement also noted that the restaurant’s staff is receiving support and the establishment is assisting police with their investigation.