(Tunica, MS) A Tunica teenager was shot and killed, reportedly by his classmate.
The victim’s mother said it could have been prevented, since he had talked about killing her son on social media since September.
Seventeen-year-old Cortez Bass was charged with murder and cyberstalking. His bond was set for $1 million Thursday.
“I have to bury my 17-year-old child. I was planning his prom and his graduation. He was going to graduate. Now, I’m planning his funeral. I’m numb,” said Linda Jackson.
Emptiness fills Jackson. A part of her is now missing.
Her 17-year-old son Donterrius was shot and killed a few feet from her home Monday.
“He turned his back. They fired the shot, and he tried to run home,” said Jackson.
Bass, Donterrius’ Rosa Fort High classmate, is charged with his murder and cyberstalking.
Jackson said for the past seven months, Bass posted on social media how he was going to kill Donterrius and his 1-year-old daughter.
She reported it to deputies.
“It could have been prevented if they would just do their job. I went time after time. I called and emailed,” she said.
The sheriff’s office couldn’t tell WREG when Linda first made a report. Deputies said they were investigating and trying to find out if Bass’s social media account was real. They said they were waiting to get subpoenas.
“There’s no excuse. There’s no justification,” said Jackson.
Teddy bears and flowers now cover the spot where the body of Donterrius was found; a reminder of the love so many had for the 17-year-old.
“I sleep in his bed to just smell his scent. I’m never going to wash his sheets. I don’t want to wash away his scent,” said Jackson. “I’m trying to remain strong.”
Donterrius was set to graduate in May. He wanted to enlist in the Army, and then go to art school.
Deputies said death has affected the entire city.
Jackson said her family is trying to start a campaign to stop youth violence.
