Atlanta

Secoreia Turner’s heartbroken family preparing for first Christmas without her

ATLANTA — This holiday season is full of heartbreak for one local family who lost their child to gun violence.

It’s been nearly six months since 8-year-old Secoreia Turner was killed during protests over the deadly police shooting of Rayshard Brooks.

Channel 2′s Dave Huddleston talked to the family, who said they had to share their grief this holiday season to keep public attention on the case. Police said there could still be other people involved in the shooting.

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“It’s a very hard time for me and my kids, her dad and our family, because most holidays, Secoreia is the one who is the loudest, " said her mother, Charmaine Turner.

Secoreia was killed on July 4 as she rode in the car with her mother and a family friend near the Wendy’s where Brooks was killed by a police officer.

“She was always happy, lighting up the room because she’s always loud making everyone laugh, and we won’t get to experience that this year,” Turner said. “We just trying to keep Secoreia’s name alive, not just Secoreia, every child.”

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The family created a video on what would have been Secoreia’s ninth birthday with the help of a homicide support group. They wanted to bring awareness to the case, but also comfort other families who are grieving.

“We’re trying to help every parent that’s been through this situation and try to help them get through this situation,” Turner said. “If we all work together, none of our children will die in vain. "

Over the summer, 19-year-old Julian Conley was arrested for murder, but he has said he didn’t shoot Secoriea. Atlanta Police said the Jeep the family was riding in was pelted with gunfire as they tried to go around a makeshift barricade on University Avenue.

Police and the family are asking anyone with information to come forward.