Marsheida DeMarya Dorsey-Carn, a 24-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on August 21, 2004, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her death was the result of a violent incident involving her ex-boyfriend, Charles Combs. Marsheida was shot five times while attempting to leave an abusive relationship. Her family described her as a loving and joyful person, whose presence brought happiness to those around her.
Charles Combs, who was convicted of second-degree murder for Marsheida's death, spent 12 years in prison before being released in 2016. Marsheida's father, Michael Carn, expressed his concerns about Combs' release, fearing that he would harm others. Unfortunately, these fears were realized when Combs was later arrested for the murder of another woman, LaPorscha Baldwin, in 2021.
Marsheida's stepmother, Dr.
Purposed Carn, who is also a survivor of domestic violence, has dedicated her life to keeping Marsheida's legacy alive and advocating for victims of domestic abuse. She emphasizes the importance of having a safety plan and involving others when attempting to leave an abusive relationship. The Carn family continues to honor Marsheida's memory by releasing balloons annually and working to raise awareness about domestic violence.
