Nationwide — LaSonia Harris, an African American mom from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is heartbroken after her 20-year-old son, Steven Harris, was killed allegedly due to a custody dispute. He was a sophomore at Southern University, and investigators say that three people plotted his murder while he was in a custody battle with his child’s mother.On July 17, an unfamiliar car picked Steven up from his home, and he was never seen again. A few days later, a body believed to be Steven’s was found in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, with multiple gunshot wounds, according to WLBT.
Derek Hollins Jr., Calajia Jack, and Allyah Martin have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Hollins faces an additional charge for possessing a machine gun.
LaSonia is struggling with a mix of emotions. She said, “I’m distraught from losing my son. The circumstances for which I lost my son. I’m confused about why did it have to come to this. I’m hurt because I felt like this was an intentional attempt to hurt me and my family and I’m angry because it was unnecessary.”
According to investigators, Steven and Allyah Martin were involved in a custody battle over their son. LaSonia believes this dispute led to her son’s death.
“It’s plainly clear that he was set up,” she said.
Sheriff Brian Spillman mentioned that Steven was well-known in the community and had connections with the accused. He said, “We want to make sure that we get justice for the victim and the victim’s family.”
Hollins reportedly admitted to owning the gun used in the crime.
Meanwhile, LaSonia wants to remember her son fondly.
“My son was the typical 20-year-old college student. A lover of HBCU music who played an instrument for 10 years. My son was the most giving, talented, loyal friend that you could ever meet,” she said.
Moreover, LaSonia and her husband are now caring for their grandson. The investigation is still ongoing, and more charges could be added.