My life changed forever March 18, 2016. As I was preparing for my father’s wake, I received a call saying my son had been shot and killed in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I immediately began calling his phone (no answer). My heart dropped, and when I got confirmation that the news was indeed true, my everything shut down. I couldn’t even go to my father’s wake. Mind you, I couldn’t go to Murfreesboro to identify my son because he was considered a John Doe. He had been robbed and shot 12 times and left in a parking lot, where he was pronounced dead.
Dontae was a victim of senseless gun violence. As a loving son, brother and friend, he made a lasting impact on everyone he knew. With his big personality and without saying a word, his presence alone brought life to any setting. Because of the positive effect he had on those he met, many loved him.
It is without question that had he still been here, he would be a great father to his daughter Denver Bailey. A beautiful, bubbly, energetic little girl whom he never had the opportunity to know.
He was brought up in the church where he loved and had great respect for this Pastor and First Lady. Most importantly, he had a relationship with God and he absolutely loved the Lord. Dontae’s life and legacy will live on through his daughter and the memory will never fade. I am currently seeking and patiently waiting for justice for Dontae. There’s so much more I could say, but I will end with: Pray with us as we seek justice. God bless.