Venice Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Jerry Lamont Haynes Jr.
The Venice community is reeling after the tragic death of Jerry Lamont Haynes Jr., who was fatally shot on Monday, August 25, 2025, in the yard of his home. The young father’s life was cut short in an act of senseless violence, leaving his loved ones devastated and a neighborhood shaken.
Haynes Jr. had just returned home after celebrating his son’s birthday — a joyful occasion that now stands in heartbreaking contrast to the tragedy that followed. Friends and family describe him as a devoted father who always put his child first, making his untimely passing even more difficult to bear.
A Mother’s Grief
For his mother, Natasha Thomas, the loss is unimaginable. Haynes Jr. was her only son, a constant presence in her life, and someone she deeply cherished. Now, in the midst of mourning her child, she also shoulders the responsibility of caring for her elderly parents. The weight of grief, combined with the practical challenges of managing unexpected funeral expenses, has left the family facing both emotional and financial hardship.
“This pain is unlike anything I’ve ever felt,” Thomas shared with loved ones. “Losing my only son is something I never thought I would have to face.”
A Community Steps Up
In response to the tragedy, Haynes Jr.’s cousin, Miranda Mosby, has stepped forward to help carry the burden. She has organized a fundraiser to support the family with funeral costs and provide some measure of relief as they navigate this painful journey.
“I want to help lift this burden from my cousin,” Mosby explained. “We are asking for the community’s support through prayers and donations, no matter the size. Every contribution makes a difference.”
The fundraiser aims not only to cover immediate expenses but also to give the family space to grieve without the added strain of financial worry.
Remembering Jerry Lamont Haynes Jr.
Those who knew Haynes Jr. remember him as kind-hearted, hardworking, and deeply committed to his loved ones. Friends recall his warm smile, his ability to make others laugh, and his devotion as a father. He had a quiet strength about him and was known for putting family first in all that he did.
His tragic death has left an irreplaceable void — for his young son, who now faces life without his father; for his mother, who mourns her only son; and for the broader Venice community, which has lost a neighbor, friend, and role model.
Seeking Justice and Healing
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While details remain limited, the community has expressed a strong desire for justice to be served and for steps to be taken to reduce the violence that has impacted far too many families.
Local leaders, faith groups, and neighbors are also rallying to support the grieving family, showing solidarity in the face of tragedy. Prayer vigils and gatherings are being planned as a way to honor Haynes Jr.’s memory and remind the family they are not alone.
How to Help
Community members who wish to support the family are encouraged to contribute to the fundraiser organized by Mosby, as well as to offer prayers, words of encouragement, or simple acts of kindness. In times of heartbreak, these gestures go a long way toward providing comfort and hope.
The death of Jerry Lamont Haynes Jr. is a reminder of how fragile life is and how deeply one life can touch many others. His memory will live on through his son, his family, and the community that loved him. Though the pain of his loss will never fully fade, the support of friends, neighbors, and strangers alike will help carry the family through this dark and difficult time.