PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) — Broken hearts and souls on fire gathered outside the Mercer County Courthouse, equipped with signs and a cry for justice.

Kierra Jackson died on Thursday, December 8, 2022 as rumors surrounding her death swirl across social media and throughout the county.

Regardless of the cause, Jackson’s death brought major issues to the forefront in Mercer County.
Joe Kress, founder and president of Bikers Rally Against Bullying, took to the streets to join the cause

“Everybody needs to understand and be aware that we are here for you. You don’t have to reach out and keep everything to yourself. We’ll come and empower you and support you and find you the medical attention through therapy if you need so.”

Joe Kress, president of Bikers Rally Against Bullying

For Sandra Dorsey, a retired Mercer County Magistrate, Jackson’s death brought back tough memories from her time as a social worker.

Fighting back her emotions, she definitively said, “Enough is enough”.

“We’re done with the violence. And we don’t want people to retaliate for whatever. And we want those posts take down because her family, the children, have to deal with the trauma of what’s happened.”

Sandra Dorsey, retired Mercer County Magistrate

As of the time of this post, the cause of Jackson’s death is under investigation, and law enforcement in Mercer County declined to comment.

Additionally, while Kierra’s death served as the catalyst for the rally in Mercer County, it also brought a recent state bill to light.

West Virginia House Bill #2365 was not passed in the 2022 legislative session. It went to committee and died there, never making it to the House for a vote.

Currently, West Virginia law does not charge family members or associates of people who committed felonies as an accessory before or after the fact.

The 2022 legislative session is over, but the 2023 regular legislative session begins Jan. 11, and if a similar bill is introduced, then the process will start all over again.

Dorsey also saw the bill as a way to hold certain agencies responsible if they fail to protect children in the Mountain State.

“And it’s time for us to say enough. I don’t care which way it is. And its time for our agencies to stand up for our kids, instead of sweeping it under the rug.”

Sandra Dorsey, a retired Mercer County Magistrate

If the bill passed, anyone found to be an accessory of a felony before or after the fact would face a misdemeanor charge.

Stick with 59News for more updates on the ongoing investigation into Kierra Jackson’s death.