A tragic incident unfolded on Cates Avenue, where Micah Lawery’s quick errand turned into an unimaginable nightmare. Upon returning home, Micah discovered her 9-month-old daughter, Ophelia Lawery-Daniels, and her father, Zacchaeus Daniels, both shot. The devastating discovery led to the loss of both lives in what authorities have confirmed as a murder-suicide.
What Happened
Micah Lawery left her home on Friday evening to run a quick errand to the beauty store, leaving her daughter, Ophelia, in the care of her father, Zacchaeus. When Micah returned around 8:00 p.m., something compelled her to turn on her cellphone flashlight — a decision that would reveal a horrific scene.
Micah discovered her daughter and father on the couch, both fatally shot. Zacchaeus was pronounced dead at the scene, and baby Ophelia was rushed to the hospital. Tragically, Ophelia succumbed to her injuries and passed away.
The Unthinkable Tragedy
Authorities confirmed that Zacchaeus Daniels shot his granddaughter, Ophelia, before taking his own life. Micah, in an interview with KSDK, recounted the horrifying moment she discovered the scene. “Something came over me to turn on my flashlight, and that’s when I saw the scene,” she said.
The tragic loss has left the community and Micah’s family in shock, with a mother’s world shattered in an instant after what was supposed to be a routine evening.
Remembering Ophelia
Ophelia’s life, though brief, mattered to all who knew her. Micah’s plea to share Ophelia’s story is a call to honor her memory and the pain of her loss. “Her life mattered. Her story matters,” Micah said, urging others to remember her baby girl.
Authorities and Investigation
The investigation into this heart-wrenching incident continues. Local authorities are working to understand the circumstances leading to the tragedy, while the family grapples with the unimaginable pain of losing both Ophelia and Zacchaeus in such a tragic manner.
Closing Line:
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
