JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville family is seeking justice and asking the community for help after a grandmother was killed last week while walking on a Northwest Jacksonville road.
Family member Langston Sanders said the crash happened May 13 near W. 8th Street and Payne Avenue, not far from UF Health. Sanders said the family is still trying to process the death of Halima Harris, 53, and is seeking answers after the driver was arrested.
Shantel Bryant and Langston Sanders were Harris’s niece and nephew, who helped raise them and were, in many ways, like a mother to them.
“To lose her is to lose a big piece of us. To lose her in this way makes it even worse,†said Bryant. “She was more than just, you know, a big part to our family. She was a big a part to multiple families. Once she met you and she took a liking to you, she always looked out for you said Sanders. I don’t know if we have anybody to fill that void.”
According to her arrest report, Sharntavia Phillips, 51, was arrested the same day and is accused of DUI manslaughter.
According to the arrest report, the crash happened just before 3 p.m., when Phillips was driving a black Chrysler 300 eastbound on West 8th Street. The vehicle struck Harris as she was crossing the street.
When officers arrived on scene, they say they observed multiple indicators of impairment. According to the report, Phillips had slurred speech, bloodshot and watery eyes, constricted pupils, droopy eyelids and was swaying on her feet. Officers also noted a sweet odor coming from her breath.
Phillips told officers she had not consumed alcohol and denied taking any drugs. She said she is prescribed leucovorin, gabapentin and Prilosec, and that she had taken her medications at 8 a.m. that morning.
Phillips also told officers she was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer in May, and that she has fluid buildup in her knees stemming from a heart condition.
Phillips also faces charges of driving with a suspended license, no proof of insurance and careless driving.
“I don’t have no hatred in my heart for her,†said Sanders. I hope she finds God. That’s that. I mean, justice is going to be done.â€
A GoFundMe has been created to help cover the financial burden of taking time off work, managing daily responsibilities and other unexpected costs after Harris’ death, the fundraiser states.
“We are grateful for any donation, no matter the amount, as our family takes the necessary time to grieve and heal,†the post reads.
You can make a donation by clicking here.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
