Harrisburg Center Collects Donations for Children of Stabbing Victim

URGENT UPDATE: A community in Harrisburg is rallying to support three grieving children following the tragic stabbing death of their mother, Violette Pierre, just days ago. The Bethesda Mission Community Center is spearheading an urgent donation drive to assist the victims, who include a 6-year-old girl, an 8-year-old girl, and a 13-year-old boy.

The community center, in collaboration with Children and Youth Services, is calling for donations this Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at their facility. Residents are encouraged to bring items that can directly support the children during this devastating time. For inquiries about donations, contact family coordinator Liz Gonzalez via Facebook or at [email protected].

This urgent plea follows a harrowing incident on Tuesday, when Harrisburg police responded to a domestic disturbance on the 300 block of South 17th Street. Officers discovered Pierre, a 31-year-old mother, fatally injured. She was later identified by the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office as having roots in Haiti.

Authorities report that Pierre’s partner, the alleged attacker, was found at the scene and is currently hospitalized in critical condition due to self-inflicted wounds. As of now, no formal charges have been filed, and the suspect’s identity remains undisclosed. This incident marks the 11th homicide in Harrisburg for 2025, a stark contrast to the 20 homicides reported at the same time last year.

The community’s response underscores the emotional impact of this tragedy and highlights the importance of supporting the children left behind. As details continue to emerge, residents are urged to contribute to the donation drive and help provide stability during this chaotic time.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and how the community continues to come together in support of the victims.