The family of T’Yonna Major organizes a march to protest gun violence on the 2nd anniversary of her tragic death

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – It has been two years since 9-year-old T’Yonna Major tragically lost her life in a shooting incident in Pine Hills. In memory of T’Yonna, her family is organizing a walk against gun violence to transform their sorrow into meaningful activism.

Coinciding with this initiative is the family’s recent legal action against the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. They have filed a lawsuit, claiming that deputies neglected to conduct a thorough investigation of the suspect involved in the shooting.

The tragic incident on Feb. 22, 2023, not only claimed the life of T’Yonna but also resulted in the deaths of TV journalist Dylan Lyons and 38-year-old Nathacha Augustin. As the second anniversary of this heartbreaking event approaches, T’Yonna’s family is advocating for increased awareness and measures to combat gun violence.

“It’s hard to believe she’s been gone for two years already,” said Phyllis Turner, a relative of T’Yonna.

The family-led walk drew community members, advocates, and local leaders, all standing in solidarity to honor victims of gun violence.

“This is to continue to bring awareness on gun violence and how too many lives have been lost senselessly, not only in this community but in our town,” Turner added. “Something needs to be done.”

Angel Brantley, another family member, expressed gratitude for the support.

“It means a lot to us to see all of these people showing up because that means they’re standing for something, that means that they want an end to this gun violence,” Brantley said.

In addition to their advocacy, T’Yonna’s family has joined a lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, accusing deputies of negligence in handling events leading up to the shooting. The lawsuit claims that a lack of proper investigation contributed to the tragedy.

“Nothing for us is ever going to be the same. My sons, my nieces and nephews, they miss her tremendously,” Brantley said. “And the community, we need to start coming together because it will not stop if more of us don’t stand up for this.”

As the fight for justice continues, T’Yonna’s family hopes their efforts will lead to lasting change and prevent future tragedies.