Family, Friends Grieve Loss of Woman Shot During Parade

Boston Police are on the hunt for the person who shot and killed a 26-year-old woman who was shot and killed while marching in a parade Saturday.

A lot of Dawnn Jaffier's love for helping kids in her community came from City Year Boston.

"She just truly was passionate about this community," said Executive Director Sandra Lopez.

The loss is painful at the organization that helps young people, but they're determined to celebrate the life of the woman.

"Dawnn was a guiding force. She really brought young people together," said Lopez.

Jaffier was an innocent bystander, shot and killed while marching in the J'Ouvert parade in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood. Her father made an emotional plea to find her killer.

In her short life, she touched so many.

She was known as "Coach Dawnn" at the Hennigan Elementary School in Jamaica Plain, where she worked for Playworks.

"Being with Coach Dawnn at the Hennigan was like being with a rock star," wrote Playworks Executive Director Max Fripp and CEO Jill Vialet in a statement. "She was so loved by the students, staff and families. Boston's students, schools and neighborhoods lost an amazing youth worker and we will work tirelessly to honor her legacy."

"She was a gift to our school," said Principal Maria Cordon. "The children adored her."

Cordon describes Jaffier's joyful spirit and desire to impact children. She served as a mentor and so much more.

"Every day, just seeing her beautiful smile," said Cordon. "She would do anything you ask her to do."

At City Year, they plan to dedicated their year of service to Jaffier as a way to carry on her legacy.

"We want to launch our service year with our corps members for them knowing who she was," said Lopez.

"All of us will miss her tremendously," said Cordon. "She's just an incredible young lady."

One person has been arrested in this case. Eighteen-year-old Keith Williams was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. But police say the killer is still out there.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Boston Police immediately.