Felycya Harris' mom fights for justice over trans daughter’s murder in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s been three years since the death of 33-year-old Felycya Harris, who identified as a transgender woman.

She was found shot to death on Meadowlark Drive.

Two years ago on Nov. 20, deputies arrested a suspect- 30-year-old Jerrome Tyvone Miller.

He is charged for Harris’ death. On Monday, he faced a judge in court for another bond hearing.

While she waits for justice, Felycya’s mother, Clara Taylor, continues to fight and be a voice for the trans community.

When it comes to her children, Taylor no longer holds back the tears.

“This is hard ... it really is,” she said.

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The mother of eight has lost three of her children, two of those to gun violence.

“I have eight sons. I lost three. The first being to a drive-by shooting, the next was a motorcycle accident, and then Felycya,” said Taylor.

Taylor said that losing one child is a pain she never knew, but to lose three makes it so hard to face the next day over and over again.

“A mother’s fight is never over; mine is only just beginning,” she said.

Instead of spending the week getting ready for the holidays, she’s listening to a judge decide if her daughter’s accused killer should be a free man.

Defense Attorney Tianna Bias said: “I think it’s very telling to what he can do out on bond if he’s managed to stay in custody in Richmond County for the last few years without getting any charges, which your honor, is very well aware of is a rare occurrence.”

The murder happened in Meadowbrook Park in Augusta on Oct. 3, 2020.

As of Monday, the state said he should remain behind bars, while Taylor’s fight continues on.

Attorney Kevin Davis said: “The witness that she referenced... the girlfriend, she mentioned that Mr. Miller routinely uses burner cell phones, and has a number of different phone numbers that he uses when he’s doing some of these things. She does not know if he is specifically into men or transgenders. But she knows he is unfaithful.”

Taylor said: “My fight is to let everyone know that they have much right to make the decision of how they want to live their life. Who is to judge.”

Miller has a criminal history, including assault and battery.

Judge Heath says there are multiple key witnesses who may still have more information out there, and if Miller’s released, he could intimidate them.

So until the state can nail them down, Miller will remain behind bars.

Taylor says being strong is the only option she has to make sure that the transgender community in the CSRA loses the target on their back.

Friends of Harris previously told News 12 the world lost a great decorator, dancer, and sweet soul who liked to connect with people on Facebook Live.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are roughly 1 million transgender adults in the United States. A survey by the Virginia Department of Public Health found that 55% of transgender people interviewed reported being victims of violence or crime.

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