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'If you feel something weird, check on it' Georgia mom says after her daughter's beating death by boyfriend

Studies show domestic violence tends to surge around the holidays

JONESBORO, Ga. — The family of a Jonesboro mother is preparing to spend the holidays without her for the first time.

Exactly one month ago, Kianesha Darby, 33, was allegedly shot and killed in her home by her boyfriend.

11Alive spoke exclusively with the family.

Information from Women Against Violence shows domestic violence tends to surge during the holidays. And the surge is even higher when it comes to Black women being constant victims. However, this family is now turning their focus on how to help Darby's daughter. 

The Christmas season is supposed to be a time to celebrate. Instead, Wanda Darby-Johnson struggles. 

"I drag out the bed, but I know that I have to," Johnson said. "I just want to lay there and don't get up, but I know my family needs me."

Kianesha is Johnson's oldest daughter.

"She loved cooking. She loved to dance. She loved to sing," Johnson said.

Johnson said her daughter was dating a man named Kenneth Washington. On Nov. 4, she says Washington snapped. After speaking to her granddaughter LeKia, Johnson said Washington dragged Kianesha through her Jonesboro home and beat her. Johnson said LeKia watched it all and ran to her bedroom. Johnson believes Kianesha followed LeKia -- protecting her daughter even in her final moments. 

"She told [LeKia] to call the police. And [Kenneth] took her phone and broke it," Johnson said. "Then, my daughter told her to climb out the window and go to the neighbor's house."

11Alive's Tresia Bowles spoke to Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen. He confirmed that there is surveillance video of the attack. Washington shot and killed Kianesha, and Johnson said it happened in 7-year-old LeKia's room.

"I hope that she didn't go in vain thinking that he probably got to her also," Johnson said.

LeKia is safe with her grandmother but has a long road to healing ahead of her. Johnson said she's in therapy. And she had no idea what Kianesha was going through.

"He took on another persona around us," Johnson said.

Johnson said it was even more shocking that Washington allegedly blocked LeKia from leaving.

"Not only did you just do this to my child but you did this to my granddaughter that you proclaimed that you loved," Johnson said.

Johnson said it's her granddaughter's love and smile that keeps her going. 

She said there isn't a punishment great enough that would equal justice for Kianesha.

"I don't think that [Kenneth] should be able to talk to anybody," Johnson said. "I don't think that he should have any good food. I don't think that he should have any money on his books."

After killing Kianesha, Southfield, Michigan Police say Washington fled 11 hours to Michigan, where Johnson said he was from, in Johnson's car. He was arrested in Oakland County, Michigan the next day -- piling on three more charges with an extradition arrest warrant: two weapons offenses, and carrying a concealed weapon. 

Washington already has a warrant for his arrest in Clayton County for theft by taking, possession of a weapon, kidnapping, and malice murder. The sheriff's office is waiting for him to be extradited after Michigan court dates. 

Johnson leaves this warning for other mothers who may be going through the same thing.

"If you feel something weird, check on it," Johnson said.

11Alive has reached out to Clayton County Police several times for more information, but we've heard nothing back.

The family started an online fundraiser to replace all of LeKia's things so she could start over. If you'd like to help, donate here.

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