Mother of Columbia Woman Who Died in River Shares Grief and Urges for Action
Columbia, S.C. – The heartache is palpable as Shanequa Scott speaks out about the tragic loss of her daughter, Tierra Hamer, a vibrant 23-year-old who lost her life last week under deeply troubling circumstances. As she grapples with her loss, Scott is determined to raise awareness about domestic violence and the importance of seeking help.
A Life Cut Short
Tierra Hamer, who recently celebrated her birthday, was described as a caring and compassionate person. Friends and neighbors express that she was a victim of domestic abuse, creating a sense of urgency and frustration in her mother’s quest for answers. “My baby was not the criminal,” Scott asserts, her voice heavy with emotion. “She was a victim.”
In an effort to find clarity, Scott and her attorney, Simone Martin, met with representatives from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, including Sheriff Leon Lott. “I still have more questions than answers,” Scott shared, her frustration evident. “It just doesn’t feel real at all.”
The Call for Help
The circumstances leading to Hamer’s death are as heartbreaking as they are alarming. Just days before her fatal incident, she called 911, claiming that her ex-boyfriend had taken her keys and was refusing to return them. In the recorded calls, Scott says, her daughter’s fear and desperation were clear. “In the videos you see a young woman who is terrified, yet frustrated, that despite her many requests for help, no one came to her rescue,” Martin reflected.
Hamer had asked for a trespass notice, but Scott claims that none was issued. The Sheriff’s Department noted that no incident report was filed since Hamer indicated she didn’t want to pursue charges. Adding to the sorrow, Scott lamented, “My baby would have been here if they had just listened. She was crying for help.”
The Day of the Incident
On September 11, deputies responded to a civil disturbance involving Hamer. During this encounter, she informed them that her ex-boyfriend had damaged her car. Neighbors reportedly heard her expressing fear that he was going to hurt her. Despite her distress, Hamer did not receive the assistance she desperately needed. After becoming increasingly upset, she drove away. Moments later, she tragically drove into the Broad River.
“She did what she was supposed to do. She called the people who were supposed to protect and serve her, and they failed her,” Scott stated with deep sadness.
Calls for Justice
Scott insists that accountability is essential, not just for those involved in the situation but for the broader issue of domestic violence. “It should not take me burying my baby just to be heard,” she asserted passionately. “My daughter had dreams, she wanted to help people, and now she’s gone.”
Hamer was known as a helper, someone who immediately came to the aid of others. Scott recounted a touching story about how her daughter selflessly assisted a stranger whose car was on fire. “She didn’t even know her, and she just ran over to help,” Scott recalled, tears in her eyes.
Fighting for Change
Martin has committed to conducting an independent investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding Hamer’s death. Together, Scott and Martin are also seeking charges against Hamer’s ex-boyfriend, who remains unnamed as no charges have been filed against him yet. The case is still under investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
As the community mourns Hamer’s loss, Scott continues to uplift her daughter’s story, hoping others in similar situations will find the courage to speak out. “Don’t wait until your story can’t be told by your own voice,” she urged. “Let your voice be heard, don’t be afraid to talk.”
A Final Goodbye
Hamer’s wake is scheduled for Friday, followed by her funeral on Saturday in Charleston. As her loved ones prepare to say their final goodbyes, Scott carries the weight of her loss, but also a strong message of hope for others facing similar struggles.
