Girl's Death Should Be A Call To Action

The parents of a teenage girl, stabbed to death over the weekend, say the loss of their daughter could have been prevented.  Some mental health professionals agree.  News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports there is a call to the community to keep senseless violence like Sydney's death from happening again.

"She was my baby. She was 13 years old.  She loved life.  She didn't deserve this," said Tanikka West, Sydney's mother.

Sydney Dailey's parents say she was a happy 13 year old and a young poet who wanted to make everyone happy and never bothered anyone.  But, it was her kindness, her mother fears that made Sydney a victim.

"Because of her sweet spirit, because of her angelic spirit, unfortunately, she was put in a position to cause her to not be with us now," said Tanikka West, Sydney's mother.

Sydney was stabbed nine times on her front porch.

According to her mother, Sydney's alleged killer was a 14-year-old classmate at Madison Middle School who was jealous of Sydney's friendship with a boy.  She says she'd been harassing Sydney for a while.

"Two children's lives have been lost and ruined because of this malicious attack and it should have never happened," said Tanikka West, Sydney's mother.

But, Tanikka believes her daughter's death could have been prevented.

"Because had somebody talked to this girl, had somebody been involved with this girl they may have been able to deter this," said Tanikka West, Sydney's mother.

"We may still have our Sydney back," said Carver West, Sydney's father.

"It's unthinkable. And, it's frightening for any parent that's out there," said Michael Brose, Director of the Tulsa Mental Health Association.

He says violence in general is on the rise and prevention is key.

"You know the old saying where there's smoke there's fire. If we smell smoke let's assume there could be fire. Let's address it as soon as possible," said Michael Brose, Director of the Tulsa Mental Health Association.

He's calling on all Tulsans, especially parents and teachers, to tune in to our kids and stop violence before it happens.

"All of us, as a community, we have to recommit that we're going to work together to prevent these things from happening and create a community where our kids can be safe," said Michael Brose, Director of the Tulsa Mental Health Association.

A memorial fund has been established for the family:

Sydney Dailey Memorial Fund
Firefighter's Credit Union
9200 E. 41st S.
Tulsa, OK 74145

Find more stories on NewsOn6.com's Local News page.

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