Arizona family seeks to bring home family member killed in North Carolina

MESA, Ariz. — A Valley family is trying to bring their loved one home after she was violently killed in North Carolina.

“We just want her to be close to us. This is where she’s from,” Christine Combs said. 

Kelsea May Perkins, 23, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, last Saturday alongside two teenagers. No suspects are in custody and detectives haven’t ruled out that gang members could have been involved.

“I do pray that justice is served to whoever did it, but that’s the last thing on my mind,” Combs said. “I just want my sister home and to be with us.”

Combs tells me her sister had moved to the East Coast a few years ago to pursue her education. 

Perkins graduated from her certified nursing assistant program nearly three weeks ago, bringing her one step closer to fulfilling her passion of helping others. 

“I was just so proud, so proud of her,” Combs said. “She was my sister, but I also helped raise her as well, so she’s my baby.”

Combs told 12News her sister was smart, athletic and hardworking. 

“She wasn’t just another person, but she made an impact on those around her and anyone she came in contact with,” Combs said. 

She wants her sister to be remembered by her infectious spirit and beautiful smile. 

“My sister’s always been like full of life and she has like this pretty smile that can light up any room,” Combs said. 

Family wants to bring Perkins home and lay her to rest on the Tohono O’odham Reservation, where she was born and raised.

“I’m going to miss her so much. I don’t know how people move on from something like this,” Combs said.

A GofundMe page was created to help with funeral expenses. Click here to donate.