A tragic event on February 18 in Middleton, Wisconsin took the lives of a mother and her two children, leaving the father injured and the community in shock.
Paralegal student, Jessica Jessmon, aged 34, killed her two young children, Mya and Major Lacey Robinson, who were eight and five, before taking her own life. Sedale Lacey-Robinson, the children’s father who is 31, was shot multiple times but survived the attack.
According to the Middleton Police Department, the shooting occurred around 7:40 p.m. on Maywood Avenue using a handgun. Sedale Lacey-Robinson, trying to escape the house, was met with gunfire and shot but he managed to reach police officers who luckily were on the block for another incident. He was taken to the hospital and later discharged from the intensive care unit.
The deaths of Mya and Major have deeply affected the family, with relatives describing them as “vibrant souls full of laughter, curiosity, and boundless potential” on a GoFundMe page created in their memory.
Residents of Middleton have united in grief and search for healing. A candlelight vigil was held at Lakeview Park, where over a hundred community members congregated to remember the young victims and support the bereaved family. Mayor Emily Kuhn acknowledged the resilience of the community during challenging times.
Jessica Jessmon’s LinkedIn profile lists her as a student at Madison Area Technical College, due to graduate in May. Her previous work experience includes positions as a pharmacy technician, call center receptionist, and financial analyst.
This incident has led to discussions about domestic violence and the crucial role of community resources and support. The Middleton Police Department pledged in their statement to thoroughly investigate domestic violence cases and enforce the law to protect the community.
Shannon Barry, the executive director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), emphasized the importance of supportive services for those experiencing domestic violence. Barry noted that although violence is infrequently perpetrated by women, it remains a critical issue that requires accessible assistance and belief in the accounts of victims.
The event also raised questions about the implications of federal funding reductions on domestic violence services in Wisconsin. Barry highlighted the necessity for continued support to avert future tragedies.
The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, where Mya and Major were enrolled, expressed their condolences, reflecting the far-reaching sorrow that the community is experiencing.
Some acquaintances and neighbors recollect Jessmon’s past struggles with substance addiction and mental health disorders.
