It is widely believed that tragedy only matters to the Black community if it happens to Black males. In response to this notion, the “Say Her Name” movement was created, so that Black female victims of brutality get the recognition they deserve. There is a recent, horrible murder in which a teenage girl was raped, killed and burned in Baltimore recently. That teen’s name was Arnesha Bowers.
Arnesha Bowers was only 16-years-old when she met her tragic, untimely fate last week. 23-year-old Adonay Dixon and 20-year-old John Childs were arrested and taen into custody last Thursday for the crime. Arnesha is said to have befriended Dixon and Childs who are both said to be members of the Bloods. That fateful after, Arnesha kicked it with them at Childs’ apartment. The duo followed her home because with plans to rob Arnesha’s home. Why did they see her home as a score? They “believed the house would contain items of value because Arnesha’s grandmother has a job and owned two vehicles.”
Dixon and Childs returned to the house that evening to plunder it of all valuables. They knew that Arnesha would be asleep and that her grandmother would be away working the night shift at her job. Arnesha heard them break into the basement through the window. According to Essence:
Childs told police that Dixon forced the teen into the basement while Childs searched the home. After 30 minutes, Childs says that Dixon returned and told them that he had killed Bowers and set the home on fire. Only Childs has confessed to the crime.
A third suspect, Raeshawn Rivers (a 14-year-old) has also been brought in police. Reports indicate that the killing may have been a part of a gang initiation.
Dixon, Childs and Rivers will more than likely go away for the rest of their natural lives for the killing. Just don’t let the name of Arnesha Bowers get lost in the hubbub of everyday news. Her life matters, too. May she rest in peace.