‘It’s very hard’: Kin struggle to pay for slain woman’s funeral

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s been 16 days since the deadly Maxwell Street shooting that took the life of 33-year-old Precious D’antignac.

Richmond County investigators arrested two women, Trinaca and Mary Moore, and charged them both with murder.

Now, Precious’ family is faced with a difficult problem of paying for her funeral – but there are some programs that can help.

“She was always there for me. I’m gonna miss that,” said her aunt, Ether D’antignac.

She’s talking about Precious, whom she raised as her own daughter.

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She says her own health difficulties along with the loss of Precious and the financial burden of laying Precious to rest are becoming a lot to bare.

“It’s very hard on me right now,” she said.

Thanks to the Victims Assistance Programs both in Richmond County and on the state level, there’s help to give victims the funeral they deserve.

In Richmond County, families of victims can file an application for funeral and other expenses within 180 days of the crime through the District Attorney’s office.

“Laying her to rest peacefully, that’s what I want,” said Ether.

Through the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program, families can get up to $25,000 if they file an application within three years of the crime.

It’s a way to help them get closure.

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“I just want Precious to know that I’m there for her, even though can’t do anything for her. But her kids could. They can ask the Lord to forgive these people,” she said.

Here are the requirements for the Richmond County Victim’s assistance program:

If you are the victim of a violent (not Property) crime, you may be eligible for victim compensation.
You must file a completed application within 180 days after the date of the crime
There does not have to be an arrest in order to apply.
Compensation can help with your out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance, Medicaid, Worker’s Compensation, etc.
Eligible expenses include medical, counseling, funeral and lost wages

The Victim Assistance Program in the Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office can inform you of your rights, assist you with any questions you may have, or refer you to the appropriate agency for help. The hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The services are free.

The requirements for the Georgia Victims Compensation Program include:

The maximum program award is $25,000 per victim, per victimization.
For crimes occurring on or after July 1, 2014, the victim/witness must file a claim within three years of the crime or the death of the victim
A copy of the police/incident report from the proper investigative agency that lists the victim or witness’ name and a summary of the incident.

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