When Juavvion “Jay” Bagsby exchanged wedding vows with Kierra Turner last June, he made a solemn promise to shield her and their children from any harm.
After spending eight years together, the couple finally got married and moved into their Independence home with their three young boys. He was someone who loved spending time with his family, taking care of their dogs, and going out to fish. According to Turner, he was a dedicated and hardworking man who always made sure to prioritize his loved ones.
Just under a fortnight ago, Turner and her children were attacked by an intruder who hopped over their fence and trespassed into their yard. According to Turner, Bagsby fulfilled the vow he made to her on their wedding day.
During a recent interview with The Star, Turner, who is 25 years old, expressed that the individual in question had passed away while protecting them.
In general, he was an exceptional person, true to his promises. His family held the utmost importance in his life, and I cannot emphasize that enough. His love for us was immeasurable and indescribable.
On September 29, Bagsby, 29, lost his life in a tragic incident that took place near his home in the 4200 block of South Osage Street. Reports suggest that he was confronted by an individual who had earlier stabbed someone in Independence, a few blocks away. The individual had then trespassed through residential backyards after crossing Interstate 70. The confrontation resulted in Bagsby’s untimely demise.
According to authorities, Tyler Rizer, a 28-year-old resident of Blue Springs, has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in Jackson County Circuit Court for stabbing a man. However, he has not been charged in the killing of Bagsby or the critical injury of a neighbor who was also shot.
According to a representative from the Jackson County prosecutor’s office, the investigation into the double shooting is still ongoing.
Rizer allegedly initiated a strange string of violent assaults that started on Interstate 70.
According to Kansas City station FOX4, a stranger approached Doc Paton, the stabbing victim, and requested a ride to Target, claiming that his car had broken down. Paton kindly agreed to give the 28-year-old, named Rizer, a lift.
On that very day, Turner recounted that she had spent around 15 to 20 minutes in her yard with her sons, when Rizer unexpectedly leaped over the fence and launched an attack on them.
Turner expressed her confusion at the sudden turn of events, stating, “Everything was fine, and then it just wasn’t. It all happened so quickly that I can’t fully comprehend most of it.”
Upon arriving home, Bagsby brandished a firearm and confronted Rizer outside. Turner informed her spouse that law enforcement was en route before hearing the sound of gunfire.
Rizer reportedly took Bagsby’s vehicle and fled the scene. Subsequently, he was apprehended after a car accident in Kansas City, where he purportedly attempted to steal another individual’s car.
On Wednesday, Rizer remained in custody at the Jackson County jail with a bond set at $500,000.
According to Turner, the family is gradually adapting to the fact that Bagsby is no longer with them. She is taking the time to explain to their children, who are between the ages of one and five, that their father is now in heaven.
According to Turner, Bagsby was determined to make progress in his career as a truck driver prior to his passing. Bagsby was particularly enthusiastic about mastering the skill of driving semi-tractor trailers and was eagerly looking forward to obtaining an enhanced commercial driver’s license in the near future.
According to Turner, he has been prioritizing his health by hitting the gym lately. Additionally, their family has been attending church more frequently as Bagsby, who Turner describes as a deeply spiritual person, has been strengthening his faith.
Upon relocating to Independence from Kansas City about two years ago, Turner and their family intentionally chose a home with a capacious and stunning yard in a location they deemed secure. The expansive outdoor space provided ample room for the children and pets to frolic and play, while Bagsby indulged in gardening.
A memorial now stands at the spot where Bagsby lost his life, just a short distance away from the house where he and his loved ones cherished so many joyful moments.
According to Turner, the family left behind by Bagsby has received an overwhelming amount of support from their church and relatives in Kansas City, Kansas, which has been incredibly valuable during this difficult time. However, as December draws nearer, Turner can’t help but worry about how they will manage to celebrate birthdays and holidays without Bagsby there for the first time.
The sudden loss of her husband has taught her a valuable lesson about the unpredictability of life, as she now understands that tragedy can strike at any moment without warning.
Turner emphasized the importance of valuing the people in our lives, stating that we never know when they may no longer be with us. “Cherish the ones that you have around you, because you never know,” said Turner, “not in a million years.”
In the aftermath of Bagsby’s passing, his family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with covering the expenses associated with his funeral and to address any other financial difficulties they may be facing.
