Raeneshia Nixon: 19-Year-Old Young Mother Shot Dead On South Carolina Street

On Thursday, February 4, 2021, Raeneshia Nixon, 19, of Columbia, South Carolina, was fatally shot while driving with her infant in the car. Police are asking for your help.

Raeneshia Nixon was a loving sister and friend who relatives say would do anything for you.

“Anything she needed, she called on us," 23-year-old Nicki Cunningham, one of three of the victim’s cousins who regarded her as a sister, told WLTX.

On Thursday, February 4, 2021, Raeneshia had braided her cousin’s hair and lad left to drop a friend off. That was the last time they would see her.

"I was asleep when I got the call," Cunningham said "I was in shock. I couldn't breathe. Man, I couldn't believe it. I should've told her I loved her. If I knew that was her last day."

A young mother, Raeneshia was driving down the street with her 1-month-old infant in the car when tragedy struck.

According to Richland County law enforcement officials, a gunman opened fire on the drivers side window where Raeneshia was behind the wheel.

The young mother was hit in the upper body, but desperately tried to drive away. She lost control of the vehicle and crashed a short distance away.

The Richland County Sheriffs Office said the victim was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Relatives said Raeneshia was focused on being a great mother.

"She had a miscarriage the first time, and so she was so happy about this one," said Tyjeirah Cunningham. "Yesterday, she was here, and she was saying she was going to get her baby's ears pierced.”

Now the family needs the public’s help to find justice.

"Just please help us find whoever did this, because she did not deserve this," said Nicki Cunningham. "She is innocent." 

A local pastor has vowed to provide for the 1-month-old infant, who was not injured in the shooting.

“Being taken away from us at 19 years old is just tragic for our community and just tragic period, these senseless killings that are going on throughout our communities,” Dr. Malcolm Taylor told WBTV.

He asks that all those interested in donating to reach out to him directly on Facebook.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).