By JyQuan Arnay Stewart
From – https://blacknewsandviews.com/
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
Last year, the Department of Justice reported that the child homicide rate was rising and that the rate for Black children, 32.6 percent, was higher than those for white or Latino children. Josefina Catherine Cunningham, who died at the age of 3 last summer in Rensselaer, New York, was one of those Black children who was the victim of homicide. Her big brother wrote about her for NABJ Black News & Views. Jy’Quan Arnay Stewart, 22, is a first-year student at the State University of New York Schenectady.
RENSSELAER, N.Y. — From the moment my little sister, Josefina Catherine Cunningham, entered this world, I knew she was extraordinary. She carried an otherworldly fragrance, and her presence was like a beacon of light. Born with a hole in her heart, she defied the odds when my prayers were answered and the hole miraculously healed. Josefina dreamed of becoming a firefighter, and our shared moments reading children’s books and engaging in unforgettable conversations forged an unbreakable bond.
The song that reminds me of her is Aretha Franklin’s “Walk In the Light” and its lyrics: “Walk in the light, beautiful light, Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright. Oh Lord, shine all around us by day and by night, Oh Lord, Jesus is the light of the world.”
I felt Josefina was the only one who understood me; her presence was everything and so powerful. Every time she hugged me It was like power rushing through my body. I believed she was destined for greatness. While others failed to see her potential, I knew she was special. Our sibling connection transcended words.
The tragic day
I recall that I was at my mother’s house the day before, picking up keys. That would be the last time I would see Josefina. The next day, July 7, 2023, while riding the bus to work, I received a call from my aunt, who told me that “Josie died.” I immediately called an Uber to go to my mother’s house. When I arrived, I saw yellow tape and my cousin, who was bent over in grief at the side of the house. I asked my mother where her boyfriend, Robert Fisher, was and she told me that the police had taken him to the station for questioning. She said that they had to throw him on the ground because he was trying to interfere with the investigation.
I then got into my aunt’s car with my cousin and his father and we went to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, where Josie was pronounced dead. The hospital is where I first met Det. Sgt. Michael Deso of the Rensselaer Police Department, who would come to provide much appreciated support to my family. My mother and I then got a ride from Capt. Robert Appleton of New York State Police to their headquarters.
As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that Josefina had been brutally raped and murdered. She was covered in bleach and had blue spots all over her. Law enforcement called it a homicide. Robert Fisher was charged in the crime.
I was shocked and learned a great deal from that experience. Life is fleeting, and death can come at any time. I knew I needed to take action, just like Mamie Till did when she decided to have an open casket funeral for her son Emmett Till. I believe my sister’s story can cause a great awakening and bring the country to its knees in prayer. Back in the day, America was a different place. It had values and put children first. Children are the greatest in the Kingdom of God. Josie’s death was unexpected.
The aftermath
We are coping as a family.
My relationship with my mother is still the same. Yesterday is yesterday, and I know that broken things can be blessed things. I miss sweet Josie terribly, but I believe that our family needs restoration, and that restoration is only possible through God.
My family has not heard from Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnely or her staff. While we wait, Det. Sgt. Deso has been doing a phenomenal job. He is a blessing from God.
Robert Fisher’s murder trial is set for July 31 at Rensselaer County Court. After the trial is finished, I plan working to restore the death penalty in New York State. I will not rest until I have achieved justice for Josie. This is just the beginning.
