JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of 33-year-old Sierra McKenzie is pleading for anyone with information about her tragic death to come forward to the police.
McKenzie, a devoted mother, grandmother, and beloved family member, was found dead Thursday night on College Circle in Jacksonville’s Durkeeville neighborhood. Authorities are investigating her death as a homicide, as evidence suggests blunt-force trauma to her head.
“She’s leaving behind a granddaughter and a daughter. She’s a sister. She’s a mother. She’s a young Black woman who was just killed, and we just want answers,” said Roshelle Taylor, McKenzie’s sister-in-law.
A Devoted and Loving Spirit
McKenzie’s family describes her as an outgoing and generous woman who loved her family deeply. Terie Adams, one of her relatives, fondly recalled her kind nature.
“If you ever got to know Sierra, she would give you the shirt off her back,” Adams said. Taylor echoed these sentiments, remembering McKenzie’s vibrant personality and warm smile. “She was always smiling. She loved family. She was an outgoing person, and I miss her,” Taylor shared.
GoFundMe: Support Sierra McKenzie’s Memorial Service
McKenzie’s body was discovered along a sidewalk in the Durkeeville neighborhood. Police reported signs of blunt-force trauma to her head, leading them to classify her death as a homicide. Her family, who arrived at the scene after the initial investigation, was shocked by what they found. They noticed a trail of blood along the sidewalk and made other discoveries that deepened their concerns.
After the crime scene was cleared, McKenzie’s family found a shell casing near where her body was located. They also noticed blood splatter on a nearby chain-link fence pole. While neighbors in the area did not report hearing gunshots, these findings have led McKenzie’s loved ones to believe that foul play was involved.
Family’s Plea for Justice
The family is urging anyone with information to come forward and help police solve the case.
“Somebody murdered her, and whoever did it, please turn yourself in,” Taylor implored. Adams added, “Please call and give that information because it could be helpful. We want justice for our family, for my aunt, for her daughter, and my baby cousin. At the end of the day, the way Sierra was murdered, no one deserves that.”
Support for the Family
To help cover the costs of McKenzie’s funeral, her family has established a GoFundMe account. She leaves behind a grieving family, including her daughter and granddaughter, who are now facing a devastating loss.
As the investigation continues, McKenzie’s family remains steadfast in their quest for justice. They are calling on anyone with credible information to assist the police in bringing the person responsible for this tragedy to account.
For now, the memory of Sierra McKenzie lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
If you have any information on McKenzie’s case, please call 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.