A 25-year-old mother of two was shot and killed Monday, June 16, at a McDonald’s restaurant in Brandon, Mississippi, in what police are describing as a domestic violence incident that ended in murder-suicide.
Kianna Jackson of Pearl, Mississippi, was fatally shot around 7 p.m. on at the McDonald’s located on Stribling Lane in Brandon, approximately 10 miles outside Jackson. The alleged shooter, 27-year-old Jhonterryes Dampier of Mendenhall, Mississippi, sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Brandon Police Chief Joseph French told local media that officers responding to the scene just before 7 p.m. found Jackson had been killed by an apparent gunshot wound. Dampier was immediately transported to a local hospital in critical condition following his self-inflicted injury. He died from his injuries two days later on June 18, according to the Rankin County Coroner’s Office.
The shooting occurred in the drive-through area of the restaurant, with witnesses and family members providing additional context about the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Jackson and Dampier are believed to have shared two children together: a five-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son.
Brandon Mayor Butch Lee said, “This was a horrible incident. It’s even more tragic when a domestic situation like this happens in front of children.” The mayor added that prayers go out to everyone connected to those involved in the incident.
Community members expressed shock at the violence occurring in what they consider a typically safe area. A long-time Brandon resident indicated to local media that she had never heard of anything to this extent in her 16 years living in the area, describing Brandon as normally quiet and safe. Another resident noted that while this type of violent crime is very uncommon for the area, it reflects the unfortunate times we live in.
A witness who had recent contact with the couple provided insight into their relationship dynamics. Justin Taylor, who owns a local television mounting business, revealed he had been called to install a television at the couple’s home just two weeks before the shooting. Taylor reported feeling uneasy about the dynamic between Jackson and Dampier during his visit, though he did not intervene at the time. He later expressed frustration that the situation had escalated to such violence.
Another witness, Billie Shantay McCune-Kidd, described a heartbreaking encounter with Jackson just minutes before the fatal shooting. McCune-Kidd reported that their children had been playing together at a nearby park earlier that evening, where Jackson introduced herself and suggested exchanging contact information for future playdates. Jackson mentioned she was planning to return to school for nursing and was heading to get food with her children after leaving the park. McCune-Kidd noted that just five minutes after they parted ways, Jackson was dead.
Jackson’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and burial expenses, with any remaining funds designated for a trust fund for her children. The fundraising page describes Jackson as a cherished mother leaving behind two beautiful children, as well as a beloved daughter, sister and friend. As of June 22, the campaign had raised over $15,000 toward a $22,000 goal.
The McDonald’s location where the shooting occurred is owned and operated by O’Ferrall Management Group, which released a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident. The company indicated they are providing support to restaurant employees and will continue assisting law enforcement with the ongoing investigation.
Chief French confirmed that the investigation remains active and that the incident appears to be isolated with no ongoing threat to the public. The Brandon Police Department has not yet released a specific motive for the shooting, though officials have characterized it as a domestic violence situation.
The Rankin County Coroner’s Office officially identified Jackson on June 17, one day after the shooting. Dampier’s death was confirmed by the same office on June 18. While formal charges had been pending against Dampier before his death, the case effectively closed with his passing.
Community members who witnessed the aftermath described seeing police and fire trucks responding to the scene near the Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s area. The incident has left residents of the typically quiet Brandon community grappling with the reality of domestic violence reaching their neighborhood.
Jackson’s death leaves behind two young children who will now face life without their mother. The family continues to seek community support through their fundraising efforts while processing the sudden loss of their loved one.