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She was a pretty teen with exceptional grades at the Union Academy High School in rural North, Carolina, her smile complimented God given beauty, and her character was radiant while luring most to her affectionate personality. Her parents tells stories of her aspirations in life, her diligence in being self sufficient, and ability to simply light up any room in social settings. To Janice and Raheem Mustafa she was simply their child whom they loved dearly. Now she is known all over the world as a child who was snatched from society without cause, without warning, and without any rationale what so ever. The story of the late Phylicia Simone Barnes has touched hearts of many within society who share the burden of grief along with her parents, attempting to make sense of how tragedy could cause the demise of such a promising child. It’s been over two years since Phylicia disappeared and a constant public outcry has followed ever since, seeking answers, and wondering who could have committed such a horrible crime. The pursuit of justice in the child’s killing has always been the focus from the public, her family, and friends who intimately knew Phylicia Barnes. Yet, the path to justice has come at a price for the Mustafa family who senselessly lost their beautiful daughter at the hands of monsters who exploited, manipulated, and abused her innocence for what appears to be for nothing more than lust of their own perversion and sick sexual desires. The task of maintaining civility, strength, and sanity is undoubtedly an enormous chore for any parent who loses a child in the fashion Phylicia was taken from the Mustafas, and their endurance has demonstrated courage, faith, and example to us all. Despite their grief, the family encountered hostility from an assuming public in which some chastised the child’s mother for allowing her to travel to Baltimore to fellowship with her biological father’s side of the family. Janice Mustafa admitted she wanted her promising daughter to be well rounded to avoid potential emotional and psychological deficiencies latter on in life. The criticism that followed Phylicia’s disappearance caused Janice to share intimate details about her life with humility for the sole purpose of drawing attention to the child’s father and his family. Some people shared their empathy toward the Mustafa family, and believed that Janice was simply doing what she had to do for her baby. That couldn’t possibly be more truthful. No one following this story can deny the fact they were warned about the Baltimore Barnes family, as well as the disturbing details that have emerged outlining the environment her daughter’s half-siblings exposed her to. Attackers even sought out Janice in social media to spew hate and other insensitivities despite the mother having recently lost her child. However, Phylicia’s real father refused to allow his wife to endure further grief from media and the public, and withdrew his family to resolve their healing in privacy. During that time the Mustafas continued dialogue with me here at TPC and shared their thoughts. I am truly grateful for that privilege and honored for the trust they have bestowed upon me regarding articles I have published related to the murder of their daughter. Janice and Raheem Mustafa are extremely proud and educated people who’s family are simply the victims of a senseless crime. Raheem Mustafa advised that Janice Mustafa only wanted to talk to me regarding Phylicia’s story, because she felt I would only write what she said to me, and I have made every effort to convey her thoughts and perspective as accurately as I could. In fact, it has been my intent from the onset of this horrific case to aid in determining what actually happened to Phylicia Barnes. I was moved by her story upon learning of her disappearance in my hometown of Baltimore city. As a native Baltimorean I can relate first hand to the challenges and horrors most teens face while trying to navigate the mean streets in an extremely violent city. Janice has always been clear that she made efforts to establish her strict guidelines for Phylicia’s supervision while in Baltimore, and those trusted with the child’s care have made efforts of their own to discredit Janice on these aspects of the case. When news media failed to accurately publish what her statements were, she refused to indulge them, and resulting in her terminating further interviews with major news agencies. I have tried to use The People’s Champion Blog as a vehicle to aid in developing information from the public regarding the killing of one of our young people, and my efforts have also come at a price as well. I am a man who walks without fear solely because I know God walks at my side. Threats of violence and other scare tactics could never intimidate me, nor would I ever flinch at the mere inference of such, and I go on unmoved by the tyranny of violent criminals who hold cities like Baltimore hostage through their ungodly deeds. It’s unfortunate for the Mustafa family that such a crime has impacted their family, but in reality this tragedy could have happened to any family, and we all should react in a similar fashion to seek justice despite whose child has fallen. I am simply grateful to have been afforded resources to aid in the process of helping to heal the pain and burden of others. We should all thank the Mustafa family for their strength, courage, and for sharing their precious daughter’s story with us all. The trial of Michael Johnson begins tomorrow in the Circuit Court of Baltimore, and we are praying that justice prevails for Phylicia and the entire Mustafa family. I remain hopeful in the solving of this crime and my heart goes out to the little girls parents. On behalf of the hundreds of readers who follow TPC on a daily basis, I say thank you to Janice and Raheem Mustafa and pray that God is with you throughout this trial.
The People’s Champion
I’m David Adams
David Adams
David B. Adams grew up in the Highlandtown section of Baltimore's southeast district and is his parent's youngest child. He experienced pervasive poverty, which taught him humility and compassion for the plight of others. His exposure to violence and gritty urban life were some of his early lessons of life's many hardships. Adams credits the upheavals he endured during his conformity with helping to shape the foundation of his outlook and perspectives on society. With a steadfast commitment to giving voice to the voiceless, Adams is a journalist, crime writer, and blogger renowned for tireless investigative journalism and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. As founder and administrator of The People's Champion, Adams sheds light on critical social issues, championing the rights of: - Homeless individuals - Victims of violent crime and their families - Wrongfully convicted individuals - Missing and exploited children; Additionally, he is a seasoned investigative reporter, Adams has earned recognition for relentless pursuit of truth and justice. With a strong national and global focus, on inspiring meaningful change and crucial conversations impacting all of humanity.
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