Father who lost daughter in social-media fueled shooting says court delays have furthered grief

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A father continues to mourn the loss of his daughter and he says after 5 years he doesn’t understand why the woman charged with his child’s death hasn’t gone to trial and is free on bond.

Lavar Moore lost his firstborn child to gun violence in 2019. For him, life as he knew it changed forever.

“When I go home at night every step I take, Jasmine is on my mind,” said Moore.

He says the grief comes in waves.

According to the Huntsville Police Department, Jasmine Moore was shot and killed after an argument that originated on social media. Days later HPD arrested and charged then 25-year-old Shaniqua Brown with Moore’s death.

In December 2021, Brown was released from jail pending a trial date. Moore says he, his family and friends have seen the woman in passing since her release.

“To see someone who took your child’s life, its hurtful, its painful,” said Moore

As he continues to mourn, he can’t wrap his mind around his daughter’s absence and Brown’s presence

“To know you’re out here still living your best life, while mine is living over in Meadowlawn Gardens, it’s painful as hell,” said Moore.

Moore’s family has anxiously waited for Shaniqua Brown’s case to go to trial but, the wait continues.

“My daughter was a good lady, get it right Madison County, I put it in you all’s hands.” said Moore.

News 19 reached out to the Madison County District Attorney’s Office to find out what’s causing the holdup.

The prosecuting attorney tells News 19 several factors have contributed to the wait.

With regard to causes for delay, trial of those case has been continued due to the defendant requesting a mental evaluation, one scheduling conflict for defense counsel, and three subsequent changes in defense counsel.

With regard to bond, every time the defendant has committed a new violation, and the state has filed to revoke her bond. Following bond revocation, she was released to treatment and later had her bond reinstated over the objection of the state.

The state is prepared to take this case to trial, and has every intention of accomplishing that at the December 2, 2024 trial date.

Madison County District Attorney’s Office

Moore says he knows he will never get his daughter back but he just wants peace.

“I want to sleep at night and smile when I go to bed, I can get on my knees and say, ‘Baby we did it,’ that’s what I want,” he said. “I don’t want money, I don’t want that, I just want justice,” said Moore.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.