On May 1st, 1992, 12-year-old Quiana Dees snuck out of the house to go to a party against her mother’s Penny Dees wishes.
Later on that night, Quiana was found unconscious clinging to life in a vacant lot on Washington Ave on the borders of Neptune and Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Suffering from a gun shot wound to head, Quiana was transported to the nearest hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
The murder rocked the Asbury Park, Neptune, and surrounding communities wondering who would do something so heinous to a 12-year-old and leave her to die.
Penny Dees fights for answers
Details were grim and with the code of silence, authorities said very few people were talking. Quiana’s mother, Penny Dees, would lay her daughter to rest with few answers and no suspect(s) arrested.
Penny Dees
While authorities worked around the clock to find Quiana’s killer, Penny Dees knew she could not remain silent.
Penny rose up to be the voice for her daughter, springing into action and bringing the community along with her in a march for justice for Quiana.
Penny marched on for more than a quarter of a century, relying on her faith and hope that her daughter’s killer would be brought to justice.
It would take nearly 26 years for authorities to make an arrest for the murder of Quiana.
Suspect Arrested
In December 2018, authorities announced they arrested a 40-year-old woman originally from Asbury Park who resided in Henderson, North Carolina before the arrest.
The woman, who was just 13 years old at the time, was charged with aggravated manslaughter. Because of her age during the crime, authorities did not release her name. However, an investigation by APP.com alleges the woman to be Kishia Jones.
Penny Dees on Moving forward
Moving forward into the new year, in an interview with Unheard Voices Penny said she would be having a victory celebration. On May 5th, 2019, Penny Dees and the community celebrated the arrest and honored Quiana’s memory.
To honor Penny Dees plight, we have put together a video we would like to share.
Penny Dees unwavering commitment to her daughter was nothing short of inspiring. We hope moving forward as the investigation unfolds, peace comforts Dees and her family.
Check out the video below:
