A pregnant teen was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend, who lured her out of a San Diego rental with flowers and shot her in the head just weeks before her due date, police said.
Jariah Edwards, 17, of Arizona, was visiting San Diego with her family when her boyfriend, Trevon Williams, 21, showed up around 1 a.m. Saturday and coaxed her outside with flowers, a friend of the victim told AZFamily.
Williams shot Edwards in the head and fled on foot to a nearby canyon, where he was found soon after, according to police.
Police received multiple 911 calls reporting the shooting, and found the teen — who was eight months pregnant — unresponsive and with a gunshot wound to the head.
Edwards was rushed to the hospital, where her baby was delivered during an emergency C-section. The mom-to-be did not survive her injuries, and her family told 12 News that she did not get the chance to hold or name her daughter before she died.
“Her legacy is that her daughter is going to be everything she wanted to be and so much more, and she should be proud of that,” Edwards’ aunt told 12 News.
Her child, a baby girl, remains in critical condition, authorities said.
“Jariah Edwards was a bright, loving young woman who was just 17 years old and preparing to welcome her first child, a baby girl. She was surrounded by family and friends who cherished her deeply,” a GoFundMe said.
The fundraiser, which will be used for Edwards’ funeral and her baby’s medical expenses, currently sits at over $4,500 towards a goal of $8,000, as of Monday afternoon.
“Tragically, while on a family trip, Jariah was tracked down by her ex-boyfriend and lost her life to senseless violence. Her passing has left a hole int he hearts of her mother, sister, family, friends, and most importantly, her newborn baby girl, who is now fighting for her life,” the fundraiser continues.
Following the shooting, Williams was found hiding in a nearby canyon and arrested without incident. Police recovered a semiautomatic handgun at the time of his arrest.
Authorities have not shared a potential motive, and say they are still investigating the shooting.
Williams was booked into the San Diego County jail on suspicion of murder.
