SEATTLE — Not even a week after Jayda Woods-Johnson's death, the 13-year-old's mother spoke out, calling for justice for her daughter.
"She was a star - she really was," Tabitha Johnson said. "If she knew I was on the news right now, she'd say, 'Pop off, queen!'"
Laughs have been few and far between in the aftermath of Jayda's death. She was an innocent bystander inside the Alderwood Mall on July 3 when a fight broke out between two groups of people. A 16-year-old suspect is believed to have fired a shot at another person but missed, hitting and killing Jayda.
The shock is still fresh.
"If it could be our Jayda, it could be yours," Johnson said. "You don't think it's gonna happen to you. You really don't - especially going to the mall."
On Tuesday, charges were filed against the suspected 16-year-old shooter, Samuel L. Gizaw. He faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault and juvenile possession of a firearm. He was charged as an adult.
Gizaw was initially released on bail but an arrest warrant was issued after charges were officially filed. It is unknown if he is currently back in custody.
As the legal process slowly churns onward, Johnson is surrounded by love and reminders of the big life that Jayda lived.
"Just always dancing, laughing, positive no matter what - she was truly an angel on earth," Johnson said. "She wasn't your average 13-year-old. She was extra dramatic and very loud. That's why I don't get why it was her."
Johnson said her daughter was excited to start the eighth grade with all her friends in the fall. She said she will continue to push for justice for her daughter.
"Thirteen... that's all we have," she said.