Mom of 5 Shot in the Back at Drum Circle Event: “She Didn’t Have Anything to Take”

SAN DIEGO, CA (June 11, 2025) — A 32-year-old mother of five was tragically shot in the back while attending a peaceful drum circle event in a public park on Sunday evening. The shooting, which occurred at Balboa Park in San Diego, has left the local community stunned and searching for answers. The woman, identified as Jessica Turner, was shot while socializing with friends and fellow attendees at the drum circle, a regular event known for its focus on community, music, and cultural expression.

The Incident

According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), Turner was shot around 8:45 PM while participating in the drum circle, an informal gathering where locals come together to play drums and other instruments in a free-spirited environment. Witnesses say that Turner was engaged in conversation when she was suddenly struck by a single gunshot, which hit her in the back.

Witnesses immediately rushed to her aid, and emergency medical responders arrived on the scene shortly after. Turner was rushed to UC San Diego Health, where she underwent surgery for the gunshot wound. As of now, her condition remains critical but stable. Authorities confirmed that she is conscious and able to communicate with her family.

The Victim’s Family Speaks Out

Turner’s mother, Denise Simmons, spoke to the media, expressing her disbelief and heartbreak over the senseless violence. “My daughter was just out there, enjoying a peaceful evening, doing nothing wrong,” Simmons said. “She didn’t have anything to take, she wasn’t causing any trouble. She was just living her life, trying to enjoy her time with friends and her community.”

Turner is the mother of five young children, the youngest of whom is just 2 years old. Family members have described her as a loving and devoted parent who would do anything for her children. Friends have also rallied around her, showing support through social media and organizing fundraisers to help cover her medical expenses.

“We are just hoping she pulls through. She’s a fighter, but this is so unfair,” said Tanya Rodriguez, a close friend of Turner’s. “She didn’t deserve this. None of us did.”

Search for the Suspect

The shooting has left many questions unanswered, with police working to identify a motive and locate the suspect. Authorities believe the shooting may have been an attempted robbery, but they have not confirmed any details about the shooter or the possible motive. Witnesses reported that a man, described as in his late 20s, approached the group of people at the event, seemingly without warning, and opened fire on Turner before fleeing the scene.

“It all happened so quickly,” said Mark Davis, who was at the drum circle when the shooting occurred. “One minute we were all laughing and playing music, and then the next moment, we hear a shot. Everyone ran in different directions. It was chaos.”

SDPD investigators have released a sketch of the suspect, and they are asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. “We are working tirelessly to bring the individual responsible to justice,” said Lt. Melissa Fernandez of the SDPD Homicide Unit. “This was a senseless act of violence, and we need the public’s help to solve it.”

Community Reactions

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the San Diego community, particularly those who frequent the drum circle and other cultural events in Balboa Park. The drum circle, which has been a long-standing tradition for locals, is usually seen as a safe space for creative expression and connection.

“We’ve had this event here for years without incident,” said Jonathan Rivera, one of the event organizers. “This is a tragedy for everyone involved, and it’s devastating that something so violent could happen in a place where people come to unwind and find peace.”

Local activists and community leaders are calling for stronger safety measures in public spaces like Balboa Park, urging city officials to increase security at events and parks to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Maria Hernandez, a local activist. “We need to do more to protect our communities and make sure people feel safe coming together to celebrate culture and unity.”

Looking Forward

As the investigation continues, Turner’s family is focusing on her recovery. Despite the severity of her injuries, they remain hopeful that she will eventually pull through. Meanwhile, the San Diego community is rallying around Turner’s family, organizing events to raise funds for her medical bills and provide support for her children during this difficult time.

“We just want her to be okay,” said her mother. “She’s a strong woman, and she’s going to make it through this. We just need to keep praying and supporting each other.”

The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the shooting to contact the SDPD’s homicide unit or Crime Stoppers. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that the person responsible for this senseless violence will be found.