‘Suffering in silence’: Family members of Jennifer McCarther speak out one week after her death

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — It’s been exactly one week since 51-year old Jennifer McCarther’s boyfriend took both their lives.

Jennifer’s loved ones are speaking out — not only to remember her, but to also help others recognize the warning signs of domestic violence.

SEE ALSO: Police identify victim of murder-suicide at home near south Lincoln

For Jennifer’s daughter, Deja Plater, it’s a week that’s felt like a lifetime.

“We envision our parents getting old and passing away,” she said. “You never envision them being murdered.”

The loss is still fresh, the tears still fall just as easily, and the questions still don’t have answers.

“I want her to know that she mattered even when she didn’t feel like she did,” Plater said. “She mattered to so many people.”

McCarther was shot several times by her boyfriend, 51-year old Sterling Jordan, before he turned the gun on himself.

SEE ALSO: Police investigating apparent murder-suicide near south Lincoln

Her daughter said her mother’s story isn’t just about tragedy — it’s about recognizing the red flags that so many people miss.

“Domestic violence could happen to anyone and that silence is deadly,” Plater said. “We would have never envisioned something like this, so she was suffering in silence.”

3-time national champion for the University of Nebraska and Deja’s father, Vershan Jackson, said he still can’t believe this is real.

“Her mother was my high school sweetheart,” he said. “Two lives were taken, but one was senseless, she didn’t deserve to be done the way that she was.”

As family and friends mourn her loss, they hope her story will spark conversations that save lives.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln domestic violence organizations speak out following murder-suicide

McCarther leaves behind five grandchildren and three children.

“They really can’t grasp what happened to grandma,” Jackson said.

He stressed that people, male or female, need to watch out for certain signs.

“The problems, the stuff that happened in the beginning, the red flags. Those are the things we have to pay attention to. Not just for the victim, but as a family as well,” Jackson said.

Now, a family is left with memories and a message: Love should never hurt.

“I know everyone knows my name, but she had two other children, Xavier and David, and they’re without a mother too.” Plater said. “I just want everyone to know their name and how important they are and were to her.”

And for the family — that change begins with saying her name.

Jennifer Lynn McCarther.

“I find myself missing her smile, her laugh, her voice,” Plater said.

Platter has started a GoFundMe for those who want to support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-jennifer-mccarthers-memory-support-her-family