Jessica Chambers: Grandmother Wants to Forgive Person Who Set Her Granddaughter on Fire

Jessica Chambers’ murder is being actively investigated with authorities focusing on her cell phone to find the person responsible for setting the teen on fire. Chambers, 19, died Saturday at a ...
Jessica Chambers: Grandmother Wants to Forgive Person Who Set Her Granddaughter on Fire
Written by Pam Wright
  • Jessica Chambers’ murder is being actively investigated with authorities focusing on her cell phone to find the person responsible for setting the teen on fire.

    Chambers, 19, died Saturday at a Memphis hospital not long after she was found burning next to her car, which was also on fire.

    According to WCSC News, the teen’s grandmother is trying desperately to wrap her head around the loss of her granddaughter and what might have happened that night.

    “It’s torn my heart out. I’m already an old woman,” said Willie Berdain, Chambers’ grandmother, who struggled to watch surveillance video of her granddaughter’s last moments. “I couldn’t even really tell that was Jessica, but I know it was.”

    Authorities have not identified a suspect nor have they charged anyone with the crime. Detectives continue to gather evidence, including video, phone records, and witness statements.

    “I want to thank all the people that’s burning candles and everything all over the world for Jessica,” Berdain said.

    Following Chambers death, a Facebook page called Justice for Jessica was created and has thousands of likes and messages of condolence, as well as messages of anger directed towards her killer.

    “A lot of people say, ‘Well, I hope the killer burns in Hell. But I don’t. I don’t wish that on anybody. I hope the person or persons will come to God,” Berdain said.

    Burdain said she needs to know who hurt her granddaughter and says she will forgive Chambers’ killer.

    “I want to see something good come out of this,” she said. “I don’t want anger and hate in my heart.”

    The case is very personal for investigators with the Panola County Sheriff’s Department. Chamber’s father worked for the department, so investigators are even more invested in the outcome of the case than usual.

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