By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-09-23 17:22:57 | Updated at 2024-09-30 13:24:03
6 days ago
Video footage has captured the heart-warming moment between a grieving mother and a kind stranger who shared a loving embrace in her hour of need.
Dominique Turner and Brittany Rivers shared a long, tearful hug that looked like a reunion of lifelong friends - but this was their very first meeting.
'I just couldn't wait to hug her and tell her I loved her, because she cared,' Rivers said to WDBJ.
The two were brought together by an unthinkable loss. For Turner, the moment meant more than anything.
Last September, her son Deonteiz Turner, just 24 years old, was killed in Rivers' backyard after being gunned down in a shocking act of violence.
Video footage has captured the heart-warming moment between a grieving mother and a kind stranger who shared a loving embrace in her hour of need
Last September, Dominique Turner's son Deonteiz, 24, was killed in Rivers' backyard after being gunned down in a shocking act of violence (Pictured: Dominique Turner)
Roanoke police discovered Deonteiz dead in his car, having crashed into a backyard shed after being shot while driving nearby.
'It was horrific,' Rivers told the outlet. 'You lost a child that day, and it kind of got, I don't want to say forgotten about, but you don't hear about it anymore.'
The young father left behind a heartbroken family and a daughter who will grow up without him.
'It's not fair,' Turner said. 'He has a daughter who is growing up without her daddy.'
On the first anniversary of the tragedy, Turner left flowers near the spot where her son died.
The simple act of honoring her son would soon spark an unexpected connection.
Rivers, touched by the flowers, took to social media in hopes of reaching out to the grieving mother.
Rivers (pictured), touched by the flowers, took to social media in hopes of reaching out to the grieving mother. These two families are now joining forces, hoping to clean up the area around the crash site and create a lasting memorial for Deonteiz
Dominique Turner and Brittany Rivers shared a long, tearful hug that looked like a reunion of lifelong friends - but this was their very first meeting
'I didn't even know his name. I'm grieving for someone's child that I didn't even know,' Rivers explained.
'I was like I can at least reach out and let her know my condolences and she could visit anytime.'
These two families are now joining forces, hoping to clean up the area around the crash site and create a lasting memorial for Deonteiz.
'Hopefully, this can bring her some type of closure,' Rivers said. 'Just to have a space to come talk to him.'
Turner is pleading with the community to come forward with any information regarding the murder - still unsolved.
Roanoke police discovered Deonteiz dead in his car, having crashed into a backyard shed after being shot while driving nearby
'This is Roanoke. Everybody knows everything. Nobody's speaking up. People are talking amongst themselves, but not to the police,' Turner said.
Despite justice not yet served, Turner still found unexpected comfort in her new friendship with Rivers.
'There are still good people in this world. I didn't think anyone cared, but she proved me wrong. She actually cares,' Turner said.
