Family and friends rally for justice nearly 3 months after Ma’Kiyah Jackson’s death

JESUP, Ga. (WTOC) - Family and friends rallied Saturday for Ma’Kiyah Jackson, vowing to keep fighting for justice nearly three months after her death.

Just past midnight on March 27, Jesup police responded to reports of an individual in the road. What was initially thought to be a hit-and-run was later determined to be an assault that claimed the life of 23-year-old Ma’Kiyah Jackson.

Loved ones marched from McMillan Park to the site where Ma’Kiyah was found, refusing to let her name be forgotten.

“If it was the other way around she would’ve been out here for us,” said Tiyawna Moopow, Ma’Kiyah’s aunt. “It’s not fair that someone would do that to her and just leave her there because she wouldn’t have left anyone like that, she would’ve given someone her last.”

Community remembers Ma’Kiyah

Carisa Welch was the first in the family to get the call that night and had to notify Ma’Kiyah’s parents.

“I’ll never forget that scream, a mother knows a mother can feel it, and when I tell you I still get chills, that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Welch said.

Family and friends remembered Ma’Kiyah for her smile and infectious energy.

“Life of the party, she was the life of the party,” said Rasheeda Brown and Rietta Harris, Ma’Kiyah’s aunts.

“You could be having the worst day of your life, and she would come in ‘Hey auntie,’ and it’s like, the light just comes on,” Welch said.

Family urges anyone with information to come forward

Welch said the family will continue to press for answers.

“We’re not going to forget, we want the authorities in power that be to understand that we are going to press the issue,” Welch said.

“They’re not going to get away with this, it’s been a minute, but we are not going to forget,” said Jayquan Benson, Ma’Kiyah’s cousin.

Loved ones are urging anyone with information to contact the Jesup Police Department at 912-427-1300.

Rietta Harris, another of Ma’Kiyah’s aunts, had a message for whoever is responsible.

“Every time you go to sleep I hope you see her, I hope you see her face,” Harris said.