‘My girl didn’t deserve this’: Family, friends mourn 17-year-old killed before prom

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - A community came together on Mother’s Day to support the family of a 17-year-old girl who was shot and killed just before her high school prom.

Saturah Hayes, a Haywood High student, was shot and killed Friday at a pre-prom event in Webb Bank Park. Four others were injured in the shooting.

Friends, family and strangers gathered in Brownsville Court Square to support Hayes’ mother as her daughter’s remains were being transported to the funeral home, escorted by Brownsville police and Haywood County deputies.

Friends say Hayes was there that night to support her friends.

“It’s always been nothing but good laughs, good spirits. Every time she was around, you would always be laughing. You could not have a bad moment with Saturah,” said Makayla Brown, a friend of Hayes.

“She would’ve loved to see everybody here, and we know she’s looking down on us,” Brown said.

“My girl would be so happy right now that the whole town came down to see her and supported her through this, cause my girl didn’t deserve this,” another friend, Emily Earnest said.

Hayes’ closest friends, speaking on behalf of her family, said their friend was kind and cheerful, with dreams of becoming a nurse.

“One summer, I was real depressed. This girl came to my house every day of the summer and got me out of my bed and made me come outside. She has the most genuine spirit ever. Like if you need something, you can call her, and she’s gonna do it if she can,” said Keyana Thompson, a friend of Hayes.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it is looking for tips that could help identify who killed Hayes and injured four others.

“It doesn’t matter how long it’s gonna take, she’s gonna get justice. Y’all took my friend. Y’all took somebody’s daughter,” Brown said.

“Her sister won’t be able to see her. She won’t be able to see her nieces anymore. She won’t be able to do anything more because y’all took her, and y’all are wrong for that,” her friend Morgan Green said.

The TBI is asking anyone with information, including those who were there and have photos or videos, or anyone who knows who did it, to call 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463).