LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – October is recognized as domestic violence awareness month, but there is never a bad time to raise awareness.
Jakiahia Holmes wants to do her part by telling her mom’s story after she died trying to leave a violent relationship.
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The man accused of killing her mother, Shina Holmes, is her father Earnest Holmes.
“Them 10 seconds play in my head over and over,” Jakiahia said.
Earnest Holmes is accused of shooting and killing Shina in the parking lot of the Eagle Hill apartments in Little Rock on July 30.
Jakiahia says she was in the car with her mom when her dad shot through the window and that she “Just stopped having nightmares,” about her father.
“I feel like she died in my hands,” She said.
She says the words her mom would say to her daily, just weeks leading up to her death were, “Kiahia, I love you. Your daddy might kill me today.”
Holmes was charged with capital murder, possession of a firearm and 2 counts of a terroristic act. He pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 30.
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Jakiahia says her mom was physically and mentally abused by her father for years and “two weeks before this happened my mom left my dad.”
“She was fed up with the stuff that was going on,” Jakiahia said. “My mom was mentally drained.”
At just 19 years old, Jakiahia must live with a situation most people couldn’t imagine.
On behalf of her mother, she says if a person shows you they have abusive qualities you should pay attention.
“If a man raises their voice at you, talk aggressive, talk in any of that tone, leave before it gets that far, leave.” She said.
According to Women and Children First, more than 37% of women and nearly 36% of men in Arkansas experience intimate partner physical violence.
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If you or someone you know needs help, Women and Children First wants you to call them immediately.
Their 24-hour hotline number is 501-376-3219 or you can call 1-800-332-4443.