Member-only story
SYSTEM FAILURE THE DEATH OF ALEKA SIMMONS
Aleka Simmons
One hot July night in 2019, a terrifying story took place in the center of Lithonia, Georgia, where peaceful suburban streets conceal the shadows of growing violence. A story of toxic love, unanswered pleas for assistance, and a system that came too late.
Aleka Simmons The Woman Behind the Tragedy
Aleka was more than a mere statistic. She was a fighter, a sister, and a mother at the age of 27. Aleka, a native of Queens, New York, had a difficult life but was adamant about taking control of it. She was raised in a foster home after being abandoned by her biological parents. Aleka made a name for herself by working several jobs in spite of her difficult upbringing. She used bold images and unrepentant postings on social media to highlight her lively personality. Whether she worked as a janitor, manager, or even a stripper, she wasn’t bashful about her profession. Aleka accepted herself with all of her imperfections. She was unable to avoid one weakness, though, and that was her friendship with Otis Walker.
A Love That Turned Poisonous
Passion, late-night conversations, and vows made in between kisses made Aleka’s first encounter with Otis seem like something from a romance novel. However, that love soon soured. When it came to Aleka, Otis released his dark demons. She was cautioned by friends.
“Leave him, girl. Ashley, her best friend, would insist, “He’s not good for you.”
But Aleka stayed, perhaps because she was blinded by love or hope. She thought she could fix Otis even after his violent behaviors were proven. Aleka was the one who saved him the day after he was imprisoned for publicly dragging her by the arm. She was unaware that she had just signed her own death sentence.
