A Virginia mother is speaking publicly for the first time after surviving a devastating family shooting that claimed the lives of her two children and left her facing what she describes as unimaginable grief.
Authorities say 38-year-old Tiffany Terry and her children — 18-year-old Zion Terry and 14-year-old Sadie Terry — were shot inside a Richmond, Virginia, home on April 21 during what investigators described as a domestic-related incident.
Police later arrested Tiffany’s former partner, Levy Nelson, in connection with the shooting.
According to investigators, Zion died at the scene, while Sadie succumbed to her injuries several days later at a hospital. Tiffany survived with injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening.
Court records show Nelson now faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated murder, firearm-related offenses, child abuse, and weapons violations. Local reports state that some lower-level charges were later dismissed in one court because duplicate charges had already been filed in circuit court proceedings.
As the criminal case continues, Tiffany Terry is now focusing on honoring the lives of her children while coping with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy.
In an emotional interview with local media, Tiffany said losing both of her children has permanently changed her life.
“A mother is not supposed to bury their children,” she shared while speaking about the devastating loss.
Rather than allowing the tragedy to define them, Tiffany said she wants people to remember Zion and Sadie for who they were during their lives.
According to family members, Sadie dreamed of joining the military in the future and was known among loved ones as “Sweet Sadie.” Friends described her as energetic, creative, and passionate about social media, beauty, and making TikTok videos.
Meanwhile, Zion was remembered as an accomplished student-athlete with plans to pursue nursing. Family tributes described him as a caring young man with a strong academic record who participated in track and earned recognition through the National Honor Society.
Loved ones said Zion was admired for his kindness and positive impact on those around him.
A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to support Tiffany as she recovers physically and emotionally while also caring for her surviving child and navigating funeral expenses and long-term healing.
The heartbreaking case has sparked renewed conversations online about domestic violence, family trauma, and the lasting impact these tragedies leave behind on surviving relatives and communities.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding a possible motive as the legal proceedings continue.
