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More than 50 people stood outside of Vision of Hope AME Church Saturday lighting candles in prayer for belated Ebony Sheppard. The 30-year-old mother was gunned down in an apartment complex in East Austin Tuesday.
Sheppard’s family said she went outside to move her car when police said she ran into Xavier Lewis, 19. Police said Lewis was attempting to rob Sheppard when she screamed and shot her. Lewis confessed to killing Sheppard as well as committing several other aggravated robberies.
Sheppard’s mother Janet Harris heard her daughter’s screams and was certain if Lewis took a moment to speak to her daughter he wouldn’t have pulled the trigger.
"I know a lot of people are going to disagree with me but I thought about it and I would forgive him but I want justice,” Harris said.” I want him to sit for a long time and think about what he did how he ruined my life forever."
Harris said Christmas will never be the same for her family. For Harris to see her daughter’s murder suspect behind bars has allowed her family to grieve a bit easier but she also prays no mother will ever have to experience the same pain she is going through.
"Whatever you do always tell you children you love them because you never know when it's the last time," Harris said.
Vision Of Hope AME Church pastor lit 7 candles and lead numerous prayers about forgiveness. He also called attention to gun violence in America.
Those who knew Sheppard said she had a kind heart, she was fun loving and an artist. She leaves behind a four year-old son. Her funeral is scheduled for January 6th.