She had a gorgeous smile and loved to sing and dance. She was attending a friend’s birthday party when her family had warned her not to go because they can be dangerous. But she went anyway. It was late but she was safe-after all she was surrounded by her friends.
If we stop the story here it can be the story of any of us- we are young and ready for adventure. Only rarely do these stories end tragically. And when you’re 14, you think bad things only happen to other people. But this time the bad thing happened to her.
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris joined with the Lancaster sheriff’s department and the Peatry family in announcing a $5,000 reward for information about the teen’s slaying. Dominique Peatry was killed on September 5, 2010 while she was attending a friend’s birthday party. A fight broke out and someone fired into the crowd, killing Peatry and wounding six others.
“She was 14 years-old and a beautiful child. We need to find out who did this and hold them accountable.” Said Parris.
The sheriff’s department estimates that there were 25-30 people attending the party in the 44600 block of 6th Street East and that there are dozens of witnesses to the shooting. At least two different handguns were fired into the crowd. Although it has been a month since the shooting, the lack of cooperation from the partygoers has stalled the investigation.
“Dominique was our baby and they took her life, I don’t understand it-but I’m asking anyone who was at the party, please call the detectives or call the tip line and let them know what you know. I do know the people at the party-they know who these cowards are. Please help us..please, we miss her so much!” Jacqueline Peatry, the victim’s grandmother tearfully explained.
“This was a tragic event on 6th St. East and we at the Sheriff’s station are deeply saddened by the loss of a beautiful 14-year old girl. But I am shocked at the community’s lack of cooperation. There were, in fact witnesses at that party. They need to do the right thing and come forward.“ said Captain Axel Anderson of the Lancaster sheriff’s station .
Anderson also noted that the sheriff’s department had recently attended community meetings to hear the African- American community’s complaints about their treatment by the sheriff’s department and are working to heal the rift. “Our African-American residents need to send a loud and clear message-we will no longer tolerate the gangbanging, the violence and the drug use that so negatively impacts our youth.”
“You don’t have to give your name, but please- make that phone call, help us out. We’re not going to rest until her killers are behind bars. Let someone know because if you keep quiet I guarantee you that one day it might be you or one of your children. We have to stop this! There are too many of our children dying- constantly.” Jacqueline Peatry said.
Dominique Peatry was always the peacemaker in her family. She never wanted the fun to end so she always made peace between people so they make up and could continue having fun. When the fight at the party broke out, the young woman tried to stop the argument and it lead to her death. Dominique Peatry loved animals especially her tiny Chihuahua, Domino. She wanted to be a veterinarian when she grew up, was an accomplished dancer and even won cheerleading competitions with her former cheerleading squad.
Her plans did not include being murdered at a friend’s birthday party.
“This is not just happening to individuals, this is happening to all of us. I can understand being young and having a sense of misguided loyalty. But these kids have to understand- they can defend Dominique who was 14 years-old or they can defend these people who think it’s OK to shoot into a party. That’s the choice they have. It could have been anyone’s child killed at that party.” Parris said.
If you have any information on Dominique Peatry’s murder than call Crime stoppers (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637. A $5,000 reward is being offered.
- Story and photo by Tricia Tighe
