Double Homicide Victim’s Family Speaks

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) –It’s been two days since the deadly shooting that left two people dead and a 5-year-old parentless.

Lakita Hicks, the mother of the 5-year-old, uncle said, it’s been difficult these past few days, but they’re focusing their attention on her young son and his well being.
Eric Terry Senior, said he received the news his niece was killed early Monday morning.
“I woke up to 40 missed calls from my daughter telling me that something was wrong. I’m hoping I’m dreaming, but I’m realizing it’s real. She was my only biological niece. She was my baby before I had babies. She was a good kid, respectful, grew up until a great adult and just trying to live her own life.”

Terry said Lakita’s 5-year-old son witnessed his Mother and her boyfriend shot right before his eyes.

“He’s a strong kid and he always has been. He’s really smart, but the strength that he’s exudes lately just blows my mind. He was her twin. She was Mom, but she was best friend to her 5-year-old. He went everywhere she did and looked just like her I really believe he understands. He knows exactly what happened.”

The family wants to make sure they help Lakita’s son heal through this traumatic loss.

“I know that ultimately we really want to get him some counseling for him so that he can talk through this and make sure this is not something that makes him stumble through his adulthood.”

Lakita had recently lost her job and did not have any insurance.

Her family has started a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of her funeral.

“It doesn’t have to be lavish. we just want to make sure she’s done respectfully.”

Now the family is waiting to hear from authorities so they can move towards closure.

“I just want justice. I want them to be able to find the person who did this. We can respectfully say goodbye to my niece and move forward.”