Police say Cheyenne Russell, 26, was killed by her ex-boyfriend and the father of one of her children. Russell’s parents say the suspect, Jorian Jackson, 29, had been abusing their daughter for years but she had recently “found her voice.” (Contributed Photo)

The crisis of domestic violence has been a topic of conversation in the Tyler community this week after a 26-year-old mother was found shot to death in her apartment.

Loved ones and community members alike are grieving the loss of Cheyenne Russell, a young East Texas woman police say was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend and the father of one of her children. The suspect, Jorian Jackson, 29, of Plano, remains wanted in her murder.

Russell’s parents say their daughter endured years of domestic abuse at the hands of Jackson. Her parents said, in an interview with CBS19, that their daughter had been on the run for the last year trying to stay away from Jackson. She had “finally found her voice.”

Protective orders

Before she was killed, Russell was in the process of seeking a protective order against Jackson.

“A protective order is typically an order against someone who has been violent towards you,” Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith explained. “It is signed by a judge or magistrate and is served on the individual to ensure they stay away from the person who filed the order, for whatever the reasons may be.”

While protective orders can offer a critical layer of protection for those at risk, they are not foolproof and their effectiveness can be limited in certain situations. However, violating a protective order can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.

“A protective order gives law enforcement the ability to take action after an incident occurs,” Smith said. “However… simply filing the order and having it served doesn’t always prevent escalation, especially if the abuser is in a particular state of mind. Relying solely on a protective order can create a false sense of security.”

When protective orders are in place, the abuser can’t come near or contact the victim, among other regulations. They’re also generally prohibited from carrying a firearm.

While violating these orders can lead to jail time, the exact consequences vary depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction. In many cases, the violation is considered a misdemeanor, particularly for non-violent violations such as contacting the protected person. However, if the violation involves threats, violence or harm, it can escalate to a felony, with harsher penalties. Repeat offenses or violations involving firearms may also increase the severity of the charge.

Smith emphasized the importance of taking all possible steps to stay safe, advising that, in addition to legal protections like protective orders, it’s crucial for domestic violence survivors to actively maintain distance from their abuser. According to Smith, the more effort put into avoiding contact and removing oneself from the abuser’s reach, the better the chances of staying safe.

“There are a lot of protective orders out there. We file and serve many, and the constables do as well. But I’ve seen many times where they’re violated, and if someone is in the mindset that they don’t care what happens to them, they could care less about the protective order,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to take action to get away from the situation and the danger as far away as you can.”

Locally, emergency protective orders can be issued by law enforcement officers during domestic violence calls, if they feel it is necessary, or individuals may request one from the court. A protective order form can be accessed on the Smith County website at https://tinyurl.com/smithcountyprotectiveorder and filed at the courthouse, 100 N. Broadway Ave. in downtown Tyler, where it will be submitted to a judge for approval. Immediate protective orders are temporary, such as 30 or 90 days, but a victim can also file to receive a long-term order.

Nationwide issue

Domestic violence is a persistent issue in the United States, affecting millions each year. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe intimate partner violence, which includes physical violence, stalking and psychological harm. However, this abuse is not limited to physical violence, as emotional and financial abuse also play significant roles in the cycle of control and harm.

Sadly, many instances of domestic violence go unreported. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey estimates that more than 12 million people in the U.S. experience some form of intimate partner violence annually. However, only a fraction of these cases are reported to police and even fewer result in medical treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also highlights that domestic violence disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lower socioeconomic status. Domestic violence not only causes physical and emotional harm to victims, but it also has wider societal consequences, including increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and pressures on the criminal justice system.

While awareness and resources have improved, challenges like underreporting, stigma and gaps in legal protections continue to impede efforts to address the issue effectively.

Local support and resources

Domestic violence has wide-reaching impacts, and it’s essential victims have access to the resources and support they need to break free from the cycle of abuse. In East Texas, organizations like the East Texas Crisis Center play a crucial role in providing that support for survivors.

“The East Texas Crisis Center is committed to ensuring that no one faces the pain caused by domestic violence alone,” said Jeremy Flowers, director of marketing and public relations. “We will continue to advocate for victims, survivors, and a world free from violence.”

Survivors seeking help from the crisis center can start by reaching out through the 24-hour hotline (800-333-0358). Anyone in immediate danger should call 911. Someone seeking information from the crisis center can call the office at 903-509-2526.

The center’s trained staff assess the survivor’s immediate safety, needs and the level of danger they face. If necessary, they provide emergency shelter, assist with relocation, or connect survivors with other crisis centers across the state.

“We have trauma-informed, licensed counselors who provide therapy to survivors and their children so that they can begin their journey toward healing, and a life free of violence,” Flowers said.

The intake process is confidential and includes a risk assessment to determine the level of danger and explain available resources, including shelter, counseling, legal aid, and support groups. The center also helps survivors with developing safety plans, safeguarding important documents, and preparing for escape if necessary.

One key service provided is legal advocacy, which includes assisting with the process of obtaining protective orders. The center collaborates closely with the Smith County District Attorney’s Office and the victims’ services division to ensure survivor safety.

For survivors at “high risk,” a Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT) is mobilized. This team, led by the crisis center’s DVHRT coordinator, includes multiple law enforcement agencies, healthcare workers and other professionals. The team reviews the case details, identifies risk factors, and develops a safety plan that prioritizes the survivor’s protection and the offender’s accountability.

“The abuse often escalates when a survivor tries to leave,” Flowers said. “The risk of homicide increases, and the violence can continue for months, even years, after they leave. This timeline can stretch indefinitely if children are involved.”

The East Texas Crisis Center is committed to offering ongoing support, helping survivors regain control of their lives. This includes providing counseling, therapy for survivors and their children, and referrals for healthcare, childcare, and long-term housing. The center also assists survivors with employment, self-sufficiency, and re-establishing themselves in the community, ensuring they are safe and empowered to rebuild their lives.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ms. Russell,” Flowers said. “Our hearts are with her children and family during this difficult time. We are here to help if there is anything we can do to support them.”

Russell was known as a bright spot in the life of her loved ones.

As of Friday afternoon, nearly $16,000 had been raised to help Russell’s parents pay for her funeral services. To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/helptherussellfamily . The campaign has a $20,000 goal and any funds not used for Russell’s services will go to her children, who are 3 and 4 years old. Both children are safe with other family members, police said.

Tyler police say they are working with multiple agencies and doing everything they can to locate Jackson. His vehicle was located Tuesday but he remains on the run. He is considered armed and dangerous.

A $1 million bond was issued for Jackson. Anyone with information about Jackson’s location should immediately call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. If it is in an emergency, call 911.