Columbia, S.C.: A Mother’s Heartbreak and Call for Awareness
In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, a tragedy has unfolded that has left a family—and the entire community—grieving and searching for answers. Tierra Hamer, a vibrant 23-year-old woman, was taken too soon after driving her car into the Broad River, following a series of distressing events linked to her former relationship. Her mother, Shanequa Scott, has stepped forward to share her daughter’s story in hopes of shedding light on the urgent matter of domestic violence.
A Need for Answers
Scott spoke candidly about her feelings of pain, frustration, and disbelief. “I’m hurt, I’m broken, I’m angry, I’m disappointed,” she exclaimed. “It just doesn’t feel real at all. It’s been horrible.” As she grapples with her daughter’s sudden death, she emphasizes the importance of speaking out for those who may find themselves in similar situations. “Don’t wait until your story can’t be told by your own voice. Let your voice be heard, don’t be afraid to talk,” Scott urges others affected by domestic violence.
A Meeting with Law Enforcement
In her quest for justice, Scott met with Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and his team to discuss her daughter’s situation. Despite the meeting, Scott expressed feeling that there were still more questions than answers. She adamantly believes that Tierra should still be alive. The heart-wrenching events leading up to her death are serious. On September 8, three days before her untimely passing, Hamer called 911, stating an ex-boyfriend had taken her keys and wouldn’t return them. Body camera footage from that day depicted a woman who was clearly terrified yet felt her cries for help were falling on deaf ears.
Ear-Witness Accounts
Neighbors shared chilling accounts of Hamer’s final moments, recounting how they heard her voice filled with fear, worried that her ex-boyfriend might hurt her. Despite her pleas, no arrests were made at that time, leading to Scott’s pressing question: “Why wasn’t a trespass notice issued?” An official from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department later explained that no incident report was filed since Hamer expressed a desire not to prosecute.
The Last Days
The events escalated sharply on September 11, when deputies responded to reports of a civil disturbance near Hamer’s apartment complex. Witness accounts described her worrying that her ex-boyfriend had damaged her car. During this interaction with law enforcement, Hamer became visibly distressed, ultimately driving off in a panic. “My baby would have been here if they had just listened,” Scott lamented with tears in her eyes. “She was crying for help.” Moments later, law enforcement reported Hamer had hit the man with her car before driving into the river.
A Mother’s Mission
Scott’s anguish is not just for her loss but also for raising awareness. “My daughter was not the criminal; my daughter is the victim,” she asserted. She hopes her experience can encourage others in abusive situations to seek help. Simone Martin, Scott’s attorney, emphasized, “We still don’t think that we know everything, and we won’t rest until we get the full truth.” Martin is leading an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hamer’s death, as both Scott and Martin seek accountability and want to see justice served, including potential charges against Hamer’s ex-boyfriend.
Remembering Tierra Hamer
Tierra was described as a genuine “helper,” always reaching out to those in need. Her mother shared a touching story of one woman who contacted her, remembering how Tierra ran to help her when her car caught fire, saving her children. “She just wanted to help as many people as she could help,” her mother said, recalling Tierra’s dreams of becoming a hairdresser and psychiatrist.
As Scott continues her fight for answers and justice, she stands firm in her mission to be her daughter’s voice. “It should not take me burying my baby just to be heard,” she expressed, reflecting on the enormous loss that will resonate within their community.
Funeral Services
As family and friends prepare to say their final goodbyes, Hamer’s wake will take place on Friday in Charleston, followed by her funeral the next day. In a time like this, it reminds us all of the importance of speaking out and seeking help—because every voice matters.
