It was an emotional night for the family and friends of Tiana Dockens, 18, as community group, Heeding God’s Call organized a vigil Tuesday evening to remember the young shooting victim.
Harrisburg Police say Dockens was an innocent bystander caught in a shootout near her home along the 1600 block of Thompson Street in the Allison Hill section of Harrisburg early Friday morning.
Police have since charged three men in connection with the crime.
Dockens is the granddaugher of City Council President Wanda Williams.
“All her dreams came to an end,” said Clarice McGuffin, Tiana’s mother. “And it just hurts so bad.”
The vigil was held outside of Tiana’s home to offer support to her family and call for an end to the gun violence they say is plaguing Harrisburg.
“Tiana’s life was just beginning,” said Stephen Drachler of Heeding God’s Call. “And to be gunned down, gunned down, outside your home, innocently, is beyond comprehension.”
Tiana’s parents and grandmother were surrounded by city leaders past and present at the vigil.
“I know that my daughter was special,” McGuffin said. “She meant a lot to a lot of people and it means a lot to me that everybody came out to support her.”
Tiana was McGuffin and Dion Dockens’ baby girl, the fourth of five children and according to McGuffin, the family’s little diva. Only a parent could understand a loss so profound.
“Tell your children, you love them before they walk out the door,” McGuffin said. “Hug your child, kiss them before they walk out the door. Because they might not walk back in.”
Tiana’s funeral is set for Thurs., December 12 at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Trinity Church of God at 2049 N. 4th St., Harrisburg, Pa 17102, with viewing 9 until 11 a.m. and burial in Paxtang Cemetery.
Those wishing to help the family with funeral expenses can donate to the Tiana Dockens Memorial Fund at any Metro Bank location. People can also send a check or money order to The Tiana Dockens Memorial Fund at the Metro Bank branch in downtown Harrisburg at 101 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA, 17101.