Esscence Christal’s Unsolved Murder Has Mother Seeking Answers Four Years Later

Esscence Christal’s Unsolved Murder Has Mother Seeking Answers Four Years Later

The mother of a young woman murdered four years ago in Providence this Thanksgiving said that she will continue to seek to get answers for her daughter's death.

Diana Garlington, who lost her 21 year old daughter Esscence Christal in a drive-by shooting on November 26, 2011 said that she "just wants justice."

"This is the first year the date actually lands on Thanksgiving," said Garlington, who has three other children, and is raising Christal's son. "So while everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving, please know we're looking for answers, and justice, for Esscence."

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Garlington's Story

"Basically, want I want to stress is the situation as her being murdered as a 21 year old female.  She was joyful, happy, she’d give you the shirt off her back," said Garlington. "On the other hand, she was very outspoken — those were the best things I loved about her."

"She got caught up with an older gentleman who was running the streets. I was contacted by people who told me they thought she was being abused, but she brushed me off when I asked her about it.  Maybe the week before that actually happened, the boyfriend had actually gotten shot at.  I told her, not to sugar coat it, I said if he’s hitting you, he’d never love you," said Garlington. "The night it happened, he went to my sister's house where she was staying, he forced her into his car, and took her to a store on Broad Street.  I was told by a witness, the last account of what I heard, was that an SUV started following them when Esscence got behind the wheel of the car when they left.  Then they started firing at the car, and she was the only one of the car who got shot. The car lost control, flipped over and caught fire.  The two people in the car -- including her boyfriend -- walked away with scratches."

"It will be four years since then.  The police kept saying there was a witness, but we live in Providence, and a lot of people won’t come forward," said Garlington. "The ex-boyfriend won’t testify, and there's nothing they can do.  They’re treating him as a victim also.  We’ve tried everything.  I’ve tried everything. "

Moving Forward

"I decided if take my energy to switch it around," said Garlington.  "I’ve started a program for youth females at the Salvation Army, and during the month of November we hold a vigil every Saturday from 6-7 next to Compare Foods.  It's too hard for me to go to the grave.  This year, we’ve made banners, we’re going to start hanging them up.  We just want answers.  Someone knows what happened."

"If anyone has any information, please contact the police," said Garlington.  "And people can always call me. 347-8683."