Mom of 3 With Kidney Failure Fatally Shot, Child Who Stood Up for Her Injured

Rayven Amuan Edwards was killed by her ex-partner Stephon Jeter before he died by suicide, leaving her children in dire need of support.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Rayven Amuan Edwards, a 34-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by her ex-partner Stephon Jeter in Washington, D.C. Her 10-year-old daughter, who had recently been diagnosed with autism and always stood up for her mother, was also shot and injured in the incident. Jeter then briefly disappeared with the couple's 3-year-old child before being found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Edwards had been battling kidney failure and lupus, and her mother says she was unable to obtain life insurance, leaving the children in need of financial support.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence, especially when it involves vulnerable children. Edwards' chronic health conditions and lack of life insurance coverage have left her family in a precarious financial situation, underscoring the need for better support systems for families facing such challenges.

The details

According to police, Jeter shot and killed Edwards before shooting her 10-year-old daughter, who was recently diagnosed with autism. Jeter then briefly disappeared with the couple's 3-year-old child before being found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Edwards' mother, Lucy Minnick, says her daughter had been battling kidney failure and lupus, and was unable to obtain life insurance, leaving her children in dire need of financial support.

  • On February 11, 2026, police responded to a home in Washington, D.C. and found Rayven Amuan Edwards dead and her 10-year-old daughter suffering from gunshot wounds.
  • Stephon Marquis Jeter, Edwards' ex-boyfriend, shot the victims before briefly disappearing with the couple's 3-year-old child, prompting an Amber alert.
  • Jeter was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his vehicle, and the 3-year-old was located safely at a relative's home.

The players

Rayven Amuan Edwards

A 34-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by her ex-partner. She had been battling kidney failure and lupus, and was unable to obtain life insurance.

Stephon Marquis Jeter

Edwards' ex-partner who shot and killed her before dying by suicide.

Lucy Minnick

Edwards' mother, who is speaking out about the tragedy and the family's financial needs.

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What they’re saying

“Rayven lived with lupus and chronic kidney disease, enduring regular dialysis treatments that would have broken most people. Yet, even while battling serious illness, she never stopped putting her children first.”

— Lucy Minnick, Edwards' mother (GoFundMe)

“Every ounce of strength she had went into making sure they were safe, cared for, and loved. Her children were her reason for fighting through pain and exhaustion, day after day.”

— Lucy Minnick, Edwards' mother (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The family has set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for Edwards' funeral and ongoing needs for her chronically ill children, as she was unable to obtain life insurance due to her health conditions.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence, especially when it involves vulnerable children. It also highlights the need for better support systems for families facing chronic health challenges and financial insecurity, to ensure the well-being of all members, especially the children.