'Look what happened to her:' Woman killed near Moody Park dedicated her life to improving city

MILWAUKEE -- A young woman who dedicated her life to making Milwaukee better was shot and killed Sunday, Aug. 25 near 23rd and Burleigh -- near Milwaukee's Moody Park. On Monday evening, FOX6 News learned a $25,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

"You all ran up and down this block shooting! said Tyderra Hays at a vigil Monday evening. "Turn yourself in!"

FOX6 News found people stopping by a memorial for Quanita Jackson, 20, at the scene all day on Monday. Friends and family knew her best by her nickname, "Tay," and called her death a senseless tragedy.

"She was a good person," said Arianna Beauchamp, friend of Jackson. "A good person. Always positive. Always like, mediating problems."

Friends recalled Jackson's love of music, and her generosity.

"She never did nothing to nobody," said Hays. "She never harmed nobody. She never hurt nobody. Only thing she wanted to do was make sure she was OK."

Police said the shooting happened around 8 p.m. on Sunday. The Milwaukee Fire Department responded to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Loved ones remembered Jackson as someone who wanted to make Milwaukee a better, safer place.

"And look what happened to her," said Tracey Dent, community activist. "Everybody knows her. She takes a lot of pictures."

Dent said he went to the scene Sunday to comfort friends and family members. There, Dent said he received unconfirmed reports of what happened.

"A car was chasing another car, and they was shooting at each other, and stuff like that," said Dent. "She got caught in the crossfire."

Viewer video showed the chaotic, heartbreaking scene.

Adding to the tragedy was the fact that Jackson was active at the COA Youth & Family Centers right next door to where she was killed.

"Saturday, they had a basketball tournament there," said Dent. "She was there helping out and everything."

COA Youth & Family Centers issued the following statement:

Milwaukee police were seeking the shooter(s), and investigating the circumstances leading up to this.

"We need justice for Tay," said Dent. "Put the guns down. Find another solution to the problems. Innocent people are getting hurt, getting shot, getting killed."

"We just want our justice, and we want it today," said Hays.

"I miss my friend," said Beauchamp. "I just miss my friend. I'm hurt. I'm hurt."

Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton and Alderman Khalif Rainey issued this joint statement:

Senator Lena Taylor issued this statement:

If you have information that could help authorities in this investigation, you are urged to call 414-935-7360.