Justice for Tyeasha and Custody for Tanceton

Tarsha Harris is organizing this fundraiser.

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WHAT HAPPENED TO TYEASHA

My name is Tarsha Harris. I am the mother of 22-year-old Tyeasha Starks and grandmother of 1-year-old Tanceton Currie. On February 20th, my daughter, Tyeasha Starks, was shot and killed by Tanceton’s paternal grandfather while attempting to pick up Tanceton from his paternal grandparents’ home.

After being shot multiple times, Tyeasha attempted to drive away but drove off the road into a nearby neighbor’s yard. At the time, she also had two friends and an infant in the car with her.

Upon my arrival on the scene, I was given limited information in regards to what had occurred. About 30 minutes later, the medical examiner informed me that Tyeasha did not survive, and I was not given the courtesy of identifying my daughter’s body before being transferred to Nashville for an autopsy.

It saddens me that my grandson may have witnessed the killing of his mother, and I fear for Tanceton’s safety because the system failed to immediately remove him from an unstable environment during an active investigation of the shooter. I was told that Child Protective Services was called and would contact me the next day, but none of this ever happened. So I was forced to file a case myself with Child Protective Services.

This entire investigation has lacked thoroughness, transparency, and clear communication.

WHERE THE INVESTIGATION STANDS

No charges have been filed against Tanceton’s paternal grandfather, and Tanceton is still in their custody. I am still receiving limited to no information from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office which is why I plan to acquire legal counsel and seek justice for my daughter and grandson.

ABOUT TYEASHA

Tyeasha means “alive and well” which is the imprint of the personality and presence she brought to her family. Tyeasha’s infectious smile, cleansing heart, and humble spirit influenced everyone around her. Tyeasha took pride in being a positive role model in her community. She loved singing, cheering, dancing, and being amongst friends and family.

Tyeasha was a 2018 honors graduate of Haywood High School. During her years at Haywood, she was a basketball cheerleader for the Haywood Tomcats and a member of several other extracurricular activities: Beta Club, Spanish Club, Softball, and Exclusive Dance Team. All of these activities contributed to the bonds and relationships that she developed with her peers.

After graduating, she attended Austin Peay State University where she majored in Biology to pursue her dream of becoming a dentist. She was just a few credits shy of obtaining her biology degree. While attending college, she established her own business, Ty’s Extensions, and worked as a Pharmacy Tech at Walgreens.

Tyeasha was also a wonderful mother of her 1-year old son, Tanceton Currie, with whom she leaves an abundance of loving memories. She was truly a light in a world of darkness.

WE ARE SEEKING SUPPORT

This is a plea for help, the entire Harris/Starks family and Haywood County community are heartbroken. We need your help and support. These funds will benefit the following costs: