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Funeral For Atatiana Jefferson Canceled, Then Rescheduled As Father Alleged Fraud, $250K GoFundMe Not Needed

Funeral For Atatiana Jefferson Canceled, Then Rescheduled As Father Alleged Fraud, $250K GoFundMe Not Needed

In this Oct. 15, 2019, photo, a makeshift memorial rests on the sidewalk that leads to the home of Atatiana Jefferson in Fort Worth, Texas. Former Fort Worth Police officer Aaron Dean shot Jefferson, through a back window around 2:30 a.m. after a neighbor reported her front door was left open. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Atatiana Jefferson’s funeral was canceled and rescheduled after her father,  Marquis Jefferson,  took legal action to gain full control over burial arrangements, reported ABC News/WFAA. Originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 at The Potter’s House, the funeral will now be held Thursday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. at Concord Church in Dallas, reported Dallas News.

Atatiana, 28, was shot and killed by Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean, 34, in front of her 8-year-old nephew while standing inside her home. Ironically officers were at her house to do a wellness check after a neighbor called police because her door was open.

Marquis’ lawyer alleged some of Atatiana’s other relatives would not allow him to be a part of the planning. “He’s the father of the deceased. They would not let Mr. Jefferson participate in burial arrangements. That’s why we had to seek an injunction,” said attorney Walter L. Ivin.

Last week Atatiana’s maternal aunt Venitta Body said Marquis “was not Atatiana’s biological father and never had custody of her,” reported Dallas News. Marquis said his daughter was depending on him to be strong.  ”It’s been very tough. Tay wanted me to be strong. I have to be strong. My mission is not over,” Marquis said.

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Marquis said he was initially alarmed when he found out about a GoFundMe for Atatiana that he hadn’t authorized. According to Bruce Carter, a spokesman for Marquis, he feels other family members are trying to profit from her death because he had an insurance policy to cover arrangements.

“When you raise money for a specific purpose, and that money is not needed, I believe that you are defrauding the people who are weakened at heart that wants to do something,” Carter said. 

Atatian’a’s mother is sick, but Marquis said she can have as much input as she is able to provide. His restraining order barred Body from being able to make any decisions regarding Atatiana’s burial.