Ja’Kia Itrece Battle, 23, of Lima, Ohio, was killed on October 18, 2021. She worked as a cashier at Panera Bread and enjoyed singing, rapping, and primping. She left behind her mother, Kimberly Battle, and a young daughter, Ny’Ajah I. Battle-Gilcrease.

The Lucas County Coroner’s Office ruled Ja’Kia’s death a homicide, finding it was neither accidental nor self-inflicted. The investigation led to the arrest of 33-year-old Kiara S. Totty of Lima, who was charged with reckless homicide with a firearm specification after Ja’Kia died of a gunshot wound at Totty’s home. At trial a forensic pathologist testified the bullet trajectory was unusual for a self-inflicted wound; prosecutors said Totty wiped the gun with a towel and placed it in Ja’Kia’s hand before first responders arrived.

The Battle family has said the reckless-homicide charge does not reflect the severity of Ja’Kia’s death and continue to seek justice while caring for her daughter. Did anyone in the Lima area know Ja’Kia or have information about the events of October 18, 2021?