On the morning of July 5, 2025, tragedy struck Phoenix, Arizona, as 16-year-old Zariah Dodd was found unresponsive near 55th Avenue and Osborn Road. Despite immediate efforts from first responders, Zariah was pronounced dead at the scene. The devastating incident not only took the life of Zariah but also claimed the life of her unborn daughter, Zaloni, who was 22 weeks old at the time of the shooting.

Zariah’s death, as well as the loss of Zaloni, has left a community in shock and mourning. As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death unfolds, the pain of her passing reverberates through the lives of her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Personal Life and Background

Born in 2009, Zariah Dodd had a life marked by struggle and resilience. Living in a group home environment, Zariah had faced significant challenges throughout her adolescence. Despite these hardships, she was described as a young woman with a strong spirit, eager to find a path to a brighter future. Throughout her life, she was caught in the complexities of the child welfare system, and her family had long fought to regain custody of her.

Zariah’s father, Sylquayn Bernard, and her uncle, Erik Polk, have both expressed the pain and frustration they felt regarding the systemic failures within Arizona’s child welfare system that contributed to Zariah’s vulnerability. In their heartfelt statements following her passing, they spoke out against the shortcomings of the system, which, in their view, failed to offer Zariah the protection and stability she needed during her formative years.

In addition to her family, Zariah had formed bonds with a tight-knit group of friends who remember her for her warmth and resilience. Despite her struggles, Zariah held on to her dreams of a better life for herself and her unborn child. It is with heavy hearts that those who knew her must now cope with the loss of a young life, one that held so much promise for the future.

The Tragic Incident

On July 5, 2025, Zariah was found near 55th Avenue and Osborn Road in Phoenix. Authorities responded quickly to the scene after receiving reports of a shooting. Tragically, Zariah had been shot and was unresponsive when found. Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but it was too late. Zariah was declared dead at the scene, and the unborn child she carried, Zaloni, also perished in the tragic incident. The news sent shockwaves throughout the community, as many had followed Zariah’s life and hoped for a brighter future for her.

The Phoenix Police Department swiftly launched an investigation into the shooting, which led to the arrests of two suspects: Jechri James-Gillett, 18, and Jurrell Davis, 36. Davis, identified as the father of Zariah’s unborn child, has also been charged with sexual misconduct with a minor in addition to murder charges. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details about the incident.

Zariah’s family and community are left grappling with the shocking loss and the circumstances that led to her untimely death. The arrest of those involved has prompted a mixture of grief and a desire for justice. As the investigation continues, Zariah’s family has made it clear that they want to ensure accountability for the events that led to her death.

A Call for Reform in the Child Welfare System

In the wake of Zariah’s death, her family has used their voices to call for much-needed reform in the child welfare system in Arizona. They have been vocal about the systemic issues that contributed to Zariah’s vulnerability, as well as the failures that allowed her to be exposed to dangerous situations without proper protection.

Her uncle, Erik Polk, has been particularly outspoken, expressing his frustration at the lack of support for young individuals navigating the child welfare system. “Zariah deserved better,” Polk said. “She deserved a chance at life, and the system failed her. This tragedy highlights the need for change, not just for Zariah, but for all the children who are falling through the cracks of our system.”

Zariah’s story has become a rallying cry for reform, with many local and national advocacy groups now calling for stronger protections for vulnerable youth in residential care facilities and group homes. Her case serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need to address the systemic issues that continue to affect children in the foster care system. Advocacy groups are now calling for increased oversight, better mental health services, and more accountability in the child welfare system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Community Grieves and Remembers

The loss of Zariah and her unborn daughter has left the Phoenix community shaken. In the days following the tragedy, local residents gathered to mourn and pay tribute to Zariah’s life. Vigils and memorial services were held, where friends and family shared their memories of a young woman who was deeply loved and whose potential was tragically cut short.

Zariah’s friends remember her for her caring nature, despite the adversity she faced. “Zariah was always there for me when I needed her. She had this light about her that made everything better,” said one of her close friends. “She was excited about being a mom, and she had dreams of a better life for herself and Zaloni. It’s heartbreaking that she didn’t get to see those dreams come true.”

Zariah’s family has vowed to continue fighting for justice and to keep her memory alive. They have called on their community to come together to ensure that Zariah’s life and the life of her daughter were not in vain. In their grief, they find strength in their determination to honor Zariah’s memory by advocating for change and ensuring that her story helps protect vulnerable youth in the future.

In Memoriam

Zariah Dodd, a young girl whose life was full of promise, is mourned by her family, friends, and the Phoenix community. She was a daughter, a sister, and an expectant mother, whose life was tragically cut short. Her unborn daughter, Zaloni, is also remembered in the wake of this devastating loss.

Zariah’s memory will live on, not just as a symbol of the deep grief felt by those who loved her, but as a call for justice and reform in Arizona’s child welfare system. Her family’s fight for change is one that will continue, as they hope that their efforts can prevent another young person from experiencing the same tragedy.

Closing

Zariah and Zaloni’s tragic deaths have left a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved them. While the investigation continues and the community seeks justice, the loss of Zariah is felt deeply across Phoenix. Her story is now a part of the collective grief of a community that is demanding accountability and change. This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates.