Family of Jasmine Thar travels to Columbus County

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The family of 16-year-old Jasmine Thar stood together on the steps of the Columbus County courthouse Wednesday afternoon to make a public appeal for justice in the shooting that claimed her life four months ago.

Civil rights activist John Barnette led the family in a small convoy to Columbus County on Wednesday morning.

When asked what was going through his mind, her father, John McNeil said, “Grief, pain, heartache, anger -- lots of anger.”

McNeil said he is angry that the shooter, who claimed his rifle accidentally fired from his home across the street, was never charged.  Wendell Hardy’s 17 year-old daughter Jahmesha and Thar’s godmother Treka McMillian were also wounded by the same bullet.

“There’s no nights that you go through that aren’t sleepless nights because there’s not any closure or justice and Jasmine’s not here,” McMillian said.

After leaving the courthouse, the family went back to the scene on East Third Avenue for a prayer vigil, but became overcome with emotion.  Her mother, who witnessed the shooting, told Eyewitness News she is determined to push through the pain.

“When I visit her grave, I can let her know I am fighting for her,” Carletta McNeil said. “She didn’t die in vain.”

Thar’s family will meet with the Columbus County District Attorney on Thursday to learn whether charges will be filed.  They will be accompanied by Barnette and their attorney, Willie Gary.

Gary said he plans to file a wrongful death civil suit on behalf of Jasmine Thar’s family.

WSOC