STOCKTON, Calif. — A Stockton family is speaking out in frustration after the man accused of killing their loved one last month was released on bail.
The incident occurred on October 24, when 23-year-old Jazmine Floris, known as "Jay," was walking with a service dog near Pacific Avenue and San Joaquin Delta College.
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, Jay was struck by a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Jamaraqui Burks, who fled the scene. Authorities apprehended Burks nearby, and he was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Burks was released on bail, which the county's website lists as $100,000. He is scheduled to return to court on December 16 for a pre-trial hearing.
The release of Burks has been deeply upsetting to Jay’s family, especially as they approach the holiday season without their loved one.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Lillianna Herring, Jay’s sister. “He gets to go home for the holidays while we have to learn to live our life without Jay for the first time during the holidays.”
Herring described the emotional difficulty of facing their first holiday season without Jay, who was known for spreading joy and helping others.
“It’s a whole new territory when you have to celebrate without somebody that brought so much joy into your life,” Herring added.
The family remembered Jay as loving, joyful, and always willing to lend a helping hand. A person who was a dedicated individual and worked with people escaping domestic violence situations.
