Community gathers to remember Jacksonville woman allegedly stabbed to death over $10

“I would have given her the money to keep my daughter alive,” her mother Judy Yawson said. “And no amount of money is worth taking someone’s life.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Family and friends gathered Tuesday night to remember 41-year-old Yolanda Haynes, a Jacksonville woman who was stabbed outside a convenience store on Kings Road last week.

The vigil came one day after Jacksonville police announced the arrest of 36-year-old Brittany McLean. Investigators say she is now charged with murder, aggravated battery and tampering with evidence in Haynes’ death. Witnesses told police the confrontation began as a dispute over $10.

Dozens of people gathered outside the store with candles, prayers and balloons as loved ones honored Haynes. Family members described her as a devoted daughter, sister and aunt. Her relatives said she was known for always showing up for the people she loved.

“She had family that loved her, you know, and we’re showing it now. We showed it then, we’re showing it now,” her sister, Tonya Anderson, said.

Anderson said Haynes was her only sibling left and described her as feisty, full of energy and always willing to help.

“I’m feeling hurt. I’m feeling sad. I’m feeling heartbroken because she was a very good person,” Anderson said.

She said the family took comfort in a conversation about God they had with Haynes shortly before she died.

“She went to my mom’s house and had a conversation about God that day before, and she went to church that same day on Wednesday, so that’s a big step for me to know that she accepted Christ,” Anderson said.

Police said Haynes was stabbed in the chest outside the store on July 23 and later died at a hospital. Witnesses told investigators McLean became upset over a loan of $10 Haynes had lost.

At the vigil, Haynes’ mother, Judy Yawson, said she would have given the money to spare her daughter’s life.

“No amount of money is worth taking someone’s life,” Yawson said.

Both Yawson and Anderson said they forgive McLean, but want her to understand the impact of her actions.

“I can’t hate her, but I always remember the 23rd of July that she took my daughter’s life,” Yawson said.

Anderson added on: “I want the young lady to know that I forgive her, but I will never forget, and I will be to every court date, the trial. I’ll be at everything, you know, because she didn’t deserve this. She had a loving family that loves her.”

McLean remains in the Duval County jail. Her next court date is Aug. 17.