PORTLAND, Tenn. (WTVF) — The family of a 21-year-old Portland mother killed in a shooting nearly five months ago continues to seek justice for her death.
Bailey Donoho was murdered about 40 minutes east from where she lived in Hartsville in late March, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. State investigators said the day before her body was found at a home in the 2100 block of Browning Branch Road, she was in a vehicle with Wesley Groves and Benjamen Carter.
Carter, an acquaintance, is accused of stepping out of the truck and firing shots at the vehicle. Groves was able to get out and run to the neighbor's house.
Donoho's family has since visited her grave site in Portland frequently as a way to connect even though it is painful.
"I don't know how to get up some days but if you'd ever meet my daughter, she was so full of life and she couldn't stand for me to cry," mother Leslie Donoho tearfully told NewsChannel 5.
Also known by her nickname "Boo", Bailey's family described her as outgoing who loved to laugh and stay loyal.
"She was just a jokester," sister Mason Donoho said. "She was the person who no matter what, she saw the good. It broke me the day I found out my sister died."
Bailey leaves behind her young son Branten who also visits the cemetery and even plays music for his mother.
"Some days he's ok with it because he knows mommy is in heaven and he's going to see her some day again," Leslie added.
The family is now preparing a candlelight vigil at her grave site at Old Brush Cemetery on Saturday at 7 p.m. They ask anyone attending to arrive about an hour earlier.
Carter also faces charges for a separate incident after Donoho's death in Wilson County.
Carter is charged with first-degree premeditated murder and attempted first degree murder. His trial will start on June 22, 2020.
