Lawrence, Indiana – To celebrate Jasmine Bennett, locals gathered Friday night at the Dollar Tree on Pendleton Pike.
An altercation between Bennett and a former employee occurred at the store on Monday, leading to Bennett’s death by gunshot.
Bennett’s mother, Dina Ford, said that her daughter was extraordinary and that her smile had the power to brighten every space. Ford continues by expressing her hope that the shop would one day be dedicated in memory of her daughter.
Ford said, “It’s a little overwhelming. I knew it was going to be big, I just didn’t know how big. There was a lot of support. Everyone loved Jasmine. Every time she talked to somebody, it always put a smile on their face, and she loves that because she always had a smile on her face.”
After Jalen Thomas, 21, of Indianapolis, was formally charged with Bennett’s murder and illegal possession of a pistol, the balloon release took place shortly after. A magistrate had ruled on Thursday that Thomas would be kept without bond.
Online records reveal that Friday saw the approval of indigent counsel and the appointment of James J. Comerford as Thomas’ public defender.
According to online court records, Marion Superior Court 27 Judge Angela Dow Davis turned down a request for courtroom cameras on Friday.
Beginning on May 1, state courtrooms may have cameras present according to an Indiana Supreme Court rule.
