Family of Tarika Wilson holds vigil on anniversary of her death

LIMA - A year ago, Tarika Wilson was shot and killed inside her home by a Lima police officer during a drug raid.

Sunday, family members gathered outside the same unassuming white house, crowding together on the porch, standing in the small yard, lining the curb.

They held lighted candles and held hands. They prayed and they cried.

"Looking into the babies' eyes, and knowing what they're missing in life, and knowing her since she was a baby," mused Wilson's aunt, Mosezella Fisher. "Wow."

Wilson had six children. One, her 1-year-old son, was also wounded in the Jan. 4, 2008, raid. Wilson's mother, Darla Jennings, now cares for the boy.

Jennings kept the vigil short - she didn't want any of the youngsters spending too much time in the cold, damp January air - but said it had plenty of meaning for the 40 or so people who came.

Not only do they want to preserve the memory of Wilson, but also remember that "right is right and wrong is wrong," Jennings said.

The officer who shot Wilson, Sgt. Joe Chavalia, was acquitted of negligent homicide and negligent assault charges in August, and returned to work at a desk job in November after an independent review by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Jennings sees it differently.

"There was no justice. No justice, no peace," she said. "I've said that from day one and I still mean that. It's a long fight ahead and a long road ahead of me yet."

A lawsuit filed by the family against the city is pending in federal court. Officers raided the home searching for Wilson's boyfriend, Anthony Terry. He was found at the home.

But Sunday was about remembering Wilson. Though returning to the place her 26-year-old daughter lost her life is difficult, Jennings said it was where her daughter lived, and standing outside the home also summons good memories.

"I still remember the smiles and the good times she had in here," she said.