In a heart-wrenching interview with Action 8 News, the family of a Montgomery police detective who fell victim to domestic violence spoke about the devastating loss they have suffered.
On July 6, 2020, Detective Tanisha Pughsley was shot and murdered. Brandon Webster was found guilty of her death and sentenced to life in prison this week. According to the testimony given at trial, Webster and Det. Pughsley were in an abusive dating relationship. Det. Pughsley had been issued a restraining order against her about a month before her death.
At just 27 years old, Pughsley had already established herself as a valuable member of the Montgomery Police Department. Originally from Chicago, she came to Alabama for college and received her degree in criminal justice from Alabama State University. With her impressive academic background and dedication to the field, it’s no surprise that she was able to make such an impact in her role.
As Dr. Sharon Pughsley, the mother of Pughsley, expressed, it is a natural order for parents to outlive their children. However, the tragic incident left her shattered, and she stated that a part of her heart died with her son that day. She arrived in Montgomery from Chicago to attend the trial, and her grief is still as raw as it was on that day.
In a heart-wrenching statement, the grieving mother shared her pain and anguish about losing her child. She expressed that losing a child in the line of duty could have been easier to accept, but losing her child in her own home is something that she cannot come to terms with. The mother mentioned that the thought of it troubles her every morning, and it’s a burden that she has to bear every single day.
Dandre Jenkins, the brother of Detective Pughsley, expressed his deep sense of guilt over his sister’s untimely death. He revealed that on the night of the fatal incident, she had called him, but he was asleep and missed the call. The next time he received a call, it was to inform him of her tragic demise. The weight of his guilt was evident as he shared his regrets about not being there for his sister when she needed him the most.
The mother of Det. Pughsley is now keen on extending her assistance to others who might be facing similar circumstances.
After experiencing this tragic event, I was inspired to establish an organization dedicated to aiding victims of domestic violence. The organization, which I named Tookie’s Voice, was named after my late friend who was affectionately called Tookie. Through this organization, I strive to give a voice to those who are suffering from domestic abuse and help save the lives of others who may be in danger.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing domestic violence, there is hope and support available. The One Place Family Justice Center is a resource that can provide assistance. You can reach out to them by calling (334) 262-7378 or the 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-650-6522.
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