A Milwaukee family is facing a devastating loss after a 42-year-old mother of eight was fatally shot inside her home, allegedly by her estranged boyfriend, while several children were present.
Kazzie Ference was killed in the early hours of October 10, 2026. Prosecutors have charged 41-year-old Tavarris Jones with first-degree intentional homicide, including modifiers related to the use of a dangerous weapon and domestic violence.
According to the criminal complaint, the shooting happened after Ference went on a date with another man the previous evening. Investigators allege that Jones confronted her over suspicions of infidelity before the fatal incident.
The case has drawn particular concern because two of the children reportedly provided accounts of what happened that night. One child discovered her mother’s body and called emergency services, while the couple’s 9-year-old daughter allegedly witnessed the shooting.
A 911 Call Revealed the Horrific Discovery
Milwaukee police were dispatched to Ference’s home shortly after 2:30 a.m. on October 10 following a report of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Ference suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the criminal complaint.
Several young children were inside the home at the time.
One of Ference’s older children told investigators she had been asleep when she heard two gunshots. Initially frightened to leave her room, she eventually went to check on her mother.
The girl found Ference unresponsive and realized something was seriously wrong. She then called 911.
According to investigators, the child told the dispatcher, “My momma got shot.”
The account provided investigators with an early timeline of the shooting and helped direct attention toward Jones, who had reportedly been living in the home.
Investigators Examined What Happened Before the Shooting
During interviews, one of Ference’s children told police that her mother had gone on a date on the night of October 9.
The child said Ference returned home later that evening. She was sleeping in her mother’s bedroom when her 9-year-old sister entered the room carrying a camera.
While the girls were there, they heard two gunshots, according to the complaint.
The older child also told investigators that Ference had taken Jones’ house keys away. She clarified that Jones was not her father, although he was the father of four of the children living in the home.
Investigators also reviewed video footage that reportedly showed Jones leaving the residence at approximately 1:50 a.m.
The accounts gathered from the children and the video evidence became part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ference’s death.
9-Year-Old Allegedly Saw Her Mother’s Final Moments
The most disturbing details in the complaint came from interviews with Ference’s 9-year-old daughter.
The girl reportedly told investigators that she had seen Jones inside the home and that he instructed her to remain in the bedroom.
She also described an argument between Jones and Ference the previous day. According to her account, Ference told him that he needed to leave her house.
The child then allegedly described seeing Jones hold a gun to her mother’s head.
After the shooting, Jones allegedly made a statement suggesting that he had killed Ference because he believed she had cheated on him. He then left the residence, according to the complaint.
These details remain allegations presented in the criminal case. Jones is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The presence of children during the incident adds another layer of tragedy to the case. Beyond losing their mother, the children may now face the difficult process of coping with a violent death and adjusting to life without her.
Family Remembers Ference as a Mother and Grandmother
Ference’s death has left eight children without their mother and a wider family mourning the loss of someone who was also a grandmother.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by one of her children describes her death as a senseless act of domestic violence.
The fundraiser seeks financial assistance for the family, including funeral expenses and support for the children. The campaign also notes that one of the children has special needs, adding to the family’s responsibilities during an already painful period.
For relatives, the immediate challenges include making funeral arrangements and helping the children navigate the sudden loss of their mother.
The fundraiser offers an opportunity for people who want to help the family with expenses as they begin adjusting to life after the tragedy.
Domestic Violence Remains a Serious Concern in Wisconsin
Ference’s killing has renewed attention to the devastating consequences of violence between current or former partners.
Wisconsin health officials reported that intimate partner violence was involved in 53.7% of homicides of women in the state in 2024. The figure highlights the serious role that domestic violence continues to play in the deaths of women across Wisconsin.
Experts and support organizations emphasize that jealousy, accusations of infidelity and attempts to control a partner do not justify threats or violence. Healthy relationships require respect for personal boundaries and the freedom to make individual choices.
For people experiencing abuse or fearing a partner’s reaction, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Individuals can also text START to 88788 to connect with an advocate.
Jones Remains in Custody as the Case Moves Forward
Jones has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, with additional modifiers related to the alleged use of a dangerous weapon and domestic violence.
Court records cited in reports on the case indicate that he was being held at the Milwaukee County Jail on a $500,000 cash bond.
The criminal complaint lays out the allegations against him, including the accounts provided by the children and the reported video showing him leaving the residence.
As the case proceeds, the allegations will be addressed through the court system.
For Ference’s family, however, the legal process is only one part of what lies ahead. Eight children must begin adjusting to life without their mother, while relatives work to provide stability and support in the aftermath of a deeply traumatic loss.
The case is a painful reminder that domestic violence can affect entire families, particularly when children are exposed to the most devastating consequences of conflict between adults.
