Madison Reporter

Jazzman Brown feels it is her job to be strong for those in her west Madison community who sometimes feel broken.

“It’s just part of what we do in the community, is try and kind of heal the broken parts of our community, be a little stronger and help those in pain,” Brown told Channel 3000.

The challenge has never been greater. Pain has gripped the neighborhood recently in the wake of a 20-month-old girl being found severely beaten and critically injured in her Schroeder Road apartment. First responders rushed the girl to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

As word of the senseless tragedy spread, neighbors have come from far and near to create a makeshift memorial of stuffed animals, balloons, and candles as a tribute to the child.

Officers have since charged 23-year-old Marshawn Giles in connection with the girl’s death; he is being held at the Dane County Jail on multiple tentative charges, Channel 3000 reported.

In trying to make sense of it all, Brown, a leader in feeding Madison’s youth in need, expressed harsh words for Giles.

“You are a monster and you deserve whatever you get,” Brown said. “I could not imagine what would compel you to do something like this to a child, and I have no sympathy.”

Brown said she senses all the sorrow and feels it herself as much as anyone.  

“How could you not be heartbroken or just sad in general?” she said. “It’s a 20-month-old child; they are, for all aspects, completely innocent in this case. It’s just heartbreaking.”