Apreona Q. Harris, 26, was shot in the head on December 15, 2023, near the Rescue Mission in Syracuse while nine months pregnant. She was taken to Upstate University Hospital, placed on life support, and doctors delivered her baby boy. Harris remained on life support until December 20, 2023, when she was pronounced dead following an honor walk for organ donation.

Police identified and apprehended 34-year-old David Kirby III as the suspect. Harris had reported in October 2023 that Kirby had assaulted and strangled her; an arrest warrant was being pursued but was not processed after the scanned paperwork sent to the district attorney’s office was incomplete and returned for correction, and no arrest was made then. Kirby had a prior criminal record including a 2017 arrest for an alleged stabbing of his sister and her boyfriend.

Kirby was initially charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the shooting; after Harris’s death it was anticipated charges would be upgraded. He pleaded not guilty and was scheduled for a psychological evaluation to determine competency to stand trial. Harris was remembered by family as a vibrant, creative mother of four who hoped to become an actor and was active in her faith and helping others.

If anyone knew Apreona, her routine, or saw anything near the Rescue Mission on December 15, please share what is known.