2019 Courage Award
The Family of Brittany Littejohn
When you work at Victim Assistance Program, unfortunately, crime scene response happens quite frequently. On February 21, 2017, victim advocates Alexandra Potter and Tiffany Kish did not realize how much one particular “call-out” would forever impact them.
That is when their journey alongside the Littlejohn family began. Upon arriving at an apartment complex on Romig Road, they met the family members of Brittany Littlejohn. Tragically, Brittany’s life was taken too soon by the hands of an ex-boyfriend.
The court proceedings for this case were a difficult and long process. The defendant was apprehended quickly, however, proceedings didn't go so swiftly. There were multiple meetings with the Prosecutor, numerous pre-trials, and then finally a plea. Sentencing concluded a few months after the 1-year anniversary of Brittany’s untimely passing with the defendant sentenced to life in prison.
Despite the constant trips to court and the emotional back and forth of the defendant not being willing to take accountability for his actions, this amazing family always remained pleasant, and so very courageous while going through the entire process. As a result, victim advocate, Tiffany Kish nominated the family of Brittany Littlejohn for this year’s Courage Award. Tiffany’s comments best sum up their incredible spirit and resiliency:
“As an advocate, I have never seen so many family members attend every court proceeding related to a case, to the point where they had to bring in extra chairs because there wasn't enough room. I have never seen a family so proactive despite such a horrendous tragedy. The Littlejohns had t-shirts and ribbons made in honor of Brittany, they even had a domestic violence walk in Brittany’s memory at which they released purple balloons. This family shows a resiliency which I have never seen before. Although the criminal case is now resolved, this does not take away from the grief process and journey this family must continue to navigate. From a tragedy that would discourage anyone from ever smiling again, this family continues to persevere and as an advocate, I am honored to be a part of their story. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Courage Award than the Littlejohn family. To Brittany’s children, Dariyah and Dariyan Adams; her mother and stepdad, Monica, and Lee Smith; her father and stepmom, Patrick, and Lisa Littlejohn; brother, LeMontre Smith; sisters, MyLeeah Smith, Kenyada and Kennedy Littlejohn, thank you for letting Alexandra and I be a part of your journey.”
