Shaniya Davis story on Oprah Winfrey show (photos, videos)

During the Oprah Winfrey interview with Bradley Lockhart and Carey Lockhart-Davis, Shaniya Davis’ father and aunt shared their greif.  Bradley Davis spoke about the community support that he has received since the horrific tragedy occurred. He stated that he has received help from as far away as Iraq. He credited the support as giving him strength and helping him stay focused. He spoke of giving Shaniya the best homecoming they can give, Shaniya Davis’ funeral is scheduled for Sunday. (Click here for funeral information and location)

Shaniya Davis’ aunt, Carey Lockhart-Davis has shared her anger and grief since she first spoke to the media searching for her niece. After Shaniya was found dead, Bradley Lockhart and Carey Lockhart-Davis held a press conference.  Where Bradley Lockhart is quick to speak of forgiveness and mercy, and asking God to give him the strength to move on, it is often Shaniya’s Aunt Carey who expresses anger. Carey Lockhart-Davis said, “I am disgusted but yet in so much pain at this point," she says.”She was such a vibrant child and such an important part of my life and it is hard at this time for me to understand as to why someone would take this sweet blessing away from me."

While speaking via satellite with Oprah Winfrey, Bradley Lockhart explained more of Shaniya’s relationship with her mother. He stated that Antoinette became pregnant after a very short relationship that he had with her. He also said that Antoinette Davis took care of Shaniya during her first year of life. It was after the first year that the two decided that Shaniya would be better off with her father. Though Shaniya moved in with her father, Bradley Lockhart, he said that he would let Shaniya see Antoinette any time she wanted.

"Any time Antoinette asked to see her, I made arrangements that she was able to spend time with her daughter." He told Oprah Winfrey.

Bradley Lockhart is a contractor and frequently goes out of town on business. He said that the last time he saw Shaniya was on October 2, 2009. He was leaving for a five week business trip. Shaniya was staying with her Aunt Carey when Antoinette Davis called on October 9, 2009. Carey stated that Antoinette Davis had contacted her and requested that Shaniya come stay with her. Carey dropped Shaniya off at her mother’s house. Carey Lockhart-Davis described her last encounter with Shaniya. She said that she kissed her good-bye and told her to be a good girl. Shaniya ran off and looked back and said, “I love you, Aunt Carey. I’ll see you later.

That was the last time that Carey Lockhart-Davis saw her niece, Shaniya Davis.
 

Shaniya Davis story on Oprah Winfrey show (photos, videos)