BUFFALO, N.Y. — The family of a woman who was shot and killed over the weekend is asking for the community's help with donations to support her three children. Rayshionna Johnson, 23, and four other people were shot Saturday at a party.


What You Need To Know

  • Rayshionna Johnson and four other people were shot Saturday at a party
  • Johnson’s family is asking for the community's help with donations to support her three children
  • Police are still searching for suspects and the shooting is still under investigation

A Buffalo family, mourning the tragic loss of a loved one.

"You took my sister from me, that's the only sibling I have," Triniyah Johnson said, crying.

"You took my daughter. You took her body, but her soul is right here," said Katrina Gray, Johnson's mother.

Rayshionna Johnson was shot and killed during a street party near Glenwood Avenue and Jefferson Avenue Saturday. Investigators say four other people were also shot and suffered serious injuries.

Johnson leaves behind three young children.

Now, the Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S. group says they are asking the community for donations of any kind to help support her little ones.

"Two girls, and a boy. We want to make sure that we take care of these children. She is no longer with us but we stand in solidarity to take care of them," said Lenny Lane, a member of the Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S. group.

Lashelle Roberson, a woman very close to the family, says she is in the process of getting legal custody of Johnson's kids.

"Rayshionna asked me to take her kids for her and to make sure they are OK and I promised her I would do so, and I plan on keeping my promise as long as I walk this earth," she said.

Police officials say gun violence is up across the country but in Buffalo it is the highest it's been in the past 10 years. Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo tells Spectrum News he believes the violence is being caused by a mix of things.

"A lot of community groups have been unable to go out and do great work that they've done for years in regards to intervention programs and early intervention. It's a combination of people being bored and these pop up parties occur,” said Rinaldo.

The other victims include a 25-year-old Buffalo man in critical condition, a 25-year-old Buffalo man in fair condition, a 23-year-old Buffalo man with non-life threatening injuries, and a 37-year-old Buffalo man who was treated and release from the hospital.

Police say right now they have no suspects and the shooting is still under investigation.

Anyone who wants to donate can drop off items Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Johnnie B. Wiley Sports Pavilion.