For mourning mother, first arrest is step toward closure after son’s drive-by death

The mother of a 7-year-old Fayetteville boy who was shot and killed during a drive-by shooting is hopeful police’s first arrest in the case will help find her son’s killer.

Myra Gibbs, Zion Gibbs’ mother, discussed last week’s arrest of Sierra Chambers, who is charged with felony accessory after the fact in connection to the June 7 death of the boy.

“It’s a big deal,” Myra Gibbs said of Chambers’ arrest. “It’s movement.”

Myra Gibbs said the arrest was “a big break towards full justice.”

“I’m very hopeful that this is going to put us closer to getting who took my baby from me,” Myra Gibbs said of the arrest.

Myra Gibbs said she believes Chambers “knows a lot” about what happened on June 7.

Zion Gibbs would have turned 8 years old on Dec. 30. He had dreams of becoming a superhero. The 7-year-old boy was shot and killed on June 7 while he was playing video games on his couch inside his Fayetteville home, police said.

Myra Gibbs said her late son used to love to visit Lake Rim Park to watch the geese.

“My daughter would bring him with our little dog, Leo, and we actually had the balloon release out here as well,” Myra Gibbs said. “So, this is just one of his special spots, and after I lost him I would come here just to gather my feelings.”

Court papers said Chambers helped hide the car used in the June 7 shooting. Police said they recently found the car. Authorities released Chambers from the Cumberland County Detention Center after she posted a $100,00 bond.

Myra Gibbs explained what it would be like without her son with the holiday season underway.

“It’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be me and my children, and we’re going to go and do a balloon release on his birthday,” Myra Gibbs said.