VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The mothers of DeShayla Harris and India Kager are supporting each other in their quest for justice and answers in their daughters' deaths.
The pair met for the first time Sunday night for a demonstration near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
“There’s power in our unity because their goal is to keep us separated," said Gina Best, Kager's mother. "They don’t want us to unite. They don’t want us to reach out to one another. They haven’t helped us. So, we’re helping out each other."
The mothers wanted to honor the lives of their daughters.
A group gathered with signs with the women's images on them at the intersection of 19th Street and Atlantic Avenue, where Harris was shot and killed more than five months ago.
“We walk with amputated hearts every day," said Best. "We walk with this."
Sunday marked six years since Virginia Beach police officers shot and killed Kager.
In 2015, Kager was in a car outside a convenience store with her child's father, Angelo Perry, who was was considered a suspect in a number of violent crimes. Police said when officers approached the car, Perry fired at them and police fired back. Perry and Kager died. Their 4-month-old son, who was in the car with them, survived.
Best, who doesn't accept the narrative police provided of the events that led to Kager's death, drove from Maryland to Virginia Beach to honor her daughter and support the Elisheba Harris, the mother of DeShayla Harris.
According to the Virginia Beach Police Department, Harris, an innocent bystander, was struck by a stray bullet on a chaotic night at the Oceanfront on March 26.
Harris' mother wants more answers in her daughter's death.
“Where are we going at?" She said. "It’s been five months, and something needs to happen."
When it comes to Kager's death, a jury awarded here family $800,000 in a wrongful death lawsuit in 2018; however, there were no charges against the officers involved.
Best said more needs to be done and another investigation should be conducted.
“India’s case needs to be reopened," Best stated.
There still is no suspect information about Harris' killer. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Crime Solvers are offering a total of $15,000 for information leading police to who shot and killed Harris.
Anyone with information about the case can call 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, and you can remain anonymous.