It was supposed to be a simple dinner outing. But what happened Monday evening at a McDonald’s in Brandon, Mississippi left two children without their mother and a community shaken to its core.
Kianna Jackson, just 25 years old and described by family as a deeply loving mother of two, was shot and killed inside the restaurant—right in front of her children and other customers. The man who pulled the trigger was her children’s father, police say, and he turned the gun on himself moments later.
He died two days later in the hospital. Kianna died at the scene.
A Devastating Scene in a Familiar Place
It was around 7 p.m., just before sunset, when the tragedy unfolded. Families were inside the McDonald’s on Stribling Lane, eating, laughing, and enjoying a typical weekday night. Then chaos.
Police and witnesses say an argument between Kianna and Jhonterryes Dampier escalated in a matter of moments. Dampier reportedly drew a handgun and fired. By the time help arrived, it was already too late for Kianna. Her children—just five and three years old—saw it all.
Brandon Police said it appears to have been a domestic violence incident, but the public nature of it—happening in front of children, diners, employees—has left everyone stunned.
“A Cherished Mother”: Remembering Kianna Jackson
Kianna’s loved ones are struggling to comprehend the loss. She had just turned 25. Her family says she was the heart of their world—full of energy, fiercely protective of her kids, and someone who could brighten any room she walked into.
“She was a cherished mother that’s leaving behind two beautiful children,” her family wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help with funeral costs and the children’s future. “She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.”
So far, more than $15,000 has been raised. But no amount of money can fill the emptiness her death leaves behind.
Her friends say she always put her children first. She was the kind of person who gave you her last dollar, who checked in even when she was overwhelmed herself. She wasn’t famous. She didn’t go viral. But she mattered—a lot—to the people who knew her.
This Shouldn’t Happen—And Yet It Keeps Happening
Unfortunately, what happened to Kianna isn’t rare. Experts say domestic violence that spills into public spaces is becoming more common—and more deadly. When guns are involved, the danger escalates quickly.
Brandon’s mayor, Butch Lee, said the tragedy is a reminder that domestic violence doesn’t stay behind closed doors. “It becomes everyone’s problem when it comes into schools, stores, restaurants—places where we should feel safe,” he said.
The restaurant has since reopened, but those who were there will never forget what they saw. Workers are receiving counseling. The company says they’re supporting their employees and cooperating with police.
Two Children, Now Without a Mother
Kianna’s kids are too young to fully understand what happened, but they now face a childhood without their mom. Community groups are stepping in to help provide emotional support, childcare, and stability. Local churches have offered to help cover grief counseling. People who never met Kianna are showing up with donations, prayers, and kindness.
There’s a vigil planned this weekend—a candlelight memorial to celebrate her life and stand in solidarity against domestic violence. Her family wants people to remember not just how she died, but how she lived—with grace, love, and a smile that made others feel safe.
What Happens Next
Police are reviewing security footage from the restaurant, speaking to witnesses, and trying to put together the full timeline of events. There’s no criminal case—Dampier died in the hospital on Wednesday—but questions remain. Could this have been prevented? Were there warning signs? Did she ask for help?
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office may explore the case further, especially regarding gun access and domestic violence laws in the state. Advocates hope this tragedy sparks change, not just heartbreak.
