North Carolina mother, daughter remembered after murder-suicide

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WNCN) — Family and friends are still wrapping their minds around the tragic deaths of Kiera Massenburg and her six-year-old daughter Zoey.

Massenburg and Zoey’s lives were cut short earlier this month when investigators say they were murdered by Dequan Jones, Massenburg’s boyfriend and Zoey’s father. Jones is also accused of shooting and injuring two others before taking his own life.

“When I come out of my house, I would look across the street and see her,” said Coretta Johnson, Massenburg’s cousin. “And she’s not there.”

Said Shanetta Peterson, Massenburg’s aunt, “It’s just hard losing her. It’s like losing my child.”

Thursday night, doves were released in Massenburg and Zoey’s honor, followed by a balloon release. “It means so much because we knew she was big and popular,” Peterson said. “This shows her sweet spirit. Everybody wanted to be around her.”

Although they are still struggling to accept Massenburg and Zoey won’t be coming home, the loved ones wanted the gathering to be more of a celebration. “I want Kiera to be remembered for her smile and her energy,” Peterson said. “She never had a dull moment. Always positive, never negative.”

A visitation for Massenburg and Zoey will be held on Friday at Greater New Testament Holy Church in Sharpsburg from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday at Red Budd Holy Church in Rocky Mount at 11:30 a.m. Anyone may donate to help with burial expenses at this link .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.