NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Families and friends of Jalin Rios, 22, and Jayla Brown, 19, gathered Sunday at the Packard Court Community Center in Niagara Falls to raise money for a reward for information leading to an arrest in their deaths.
The two victims were killed over Fourth of July weekend. The families are offering the reward money to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible.
Elexie Hill, Jalin's sister, spoke at the event about the importance of community and speaking out.
"It's better to speak the truth and the honesty of what's going on and what's going on today. There's no shame in telling the truth. There's no shame in speaking out. There's no shame in just being there for one another. It's about time that we do that as one and as a community," Hill said.
Jayla's older sisters, Miche Johnson and Moné McClary, addressed the circumstances of the shooting.
"She wasn't a target and Jalin wasn't a target either, so it was an accident, honestly, so just take accountability for your actions," Johnson and McClary said.
Childhood friends also remembered Jayla at the gathering. Steven Knighton described her as someone who cared deeply for others.
"Outgoing person, you know, she loved everybody, kind, loving. Funny she'll do anything for anybody, very funny. One thing that like very overprotective," Knighton said.
Raniaya Knighten, another childhood friend, remembered Jayla's warmth and many talents.
"Jayla, she was a loving person. She was like my dearest friend ever. I loved her so much," Knighten said.
"Very funny. She was a great hairstylist, a great mother, a great friend all in one," Knighten said.
T-shirts and raffles were sold as part of the fundraiser to raise money for justice for Jalin and Jayla. The fundraiser ran through 7 p.m. Sunday.
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