MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Freedom Preparatory Academy Flagship Middle School held a balloon release on Dec. 1, 2023, for Tori Christian, 13, who was shot and killed by a family member on November 18, 2023.
Memphis Police said Tori was the youngest of four female relatives who were killed by Mavis Christian Jr., 52, before he took his own life.
Tori was a seventh grader at Freedom Preparatory Academy Flagship Middle School. Dozens of students and staff members came together to honor a life they said was taken way too soon.
Everyone at the ceremony was asked to wear purple because it was Tori’s favorite color. Purple is also the color to show solidarity against domestic violence.
Natasha Jean-Louis, head of middle school at Freedom Prep, described Tori as a sweet and funny child.
“You never imagine on a Friday saying, ‘Be safe. Have a great break. See you when you get back,' that you wouldn't see a student when they got back. You should never lose a child...Tori wasn't deserving,” said Jean-Louis.
Resources and other assistance for domestic violence survivors can be found here.