Real Life Feature: Jasmine "Envee" Gonzales~Gone Too Tragically...Too Soon

I'd followed Jasmine, lovingly known as "Envee", for a long time on social media. Her beauty, her love for her friends, family, and beautiful 2 year old son, charismatic personality, one-of-a-kind smile, and infectious laugh captured the hearts and "likes" of many on Facebook and Instagram. An outgoing New York native with a genuine and unmistakably genuine spirit, Envee seemed so full of life. Sadly, that life would unexpectedly come to an end allegedly at the hands of someone even more unexpected, her ex-boyfriend and father of her son, Khyri Borden.

In the early morning hours of July 5, 2015, just weeks after her 22nd birthday, Jasmine Gonzalez's body was discovered in Bronx River Park with multiple stab wounds to her midsection. Jasmine's ex-boyfriend, Khiry, made the 911 call just before 6:00 AM, allegedly stating that he surprisingly came across the mother of his child's lifeless body while walking her family's dog. Gonzalez's home was just blocks form the park and evidence linking Borden to the crime was found within, including a bookbag belonging to Borden containing bloody clothes. He was subsequently charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon.

The former couple were said to have had a sometime volatile on and off relationship, with many issues stemming from jealously, rumors of infidelity, and the custody of their son. Reports indicate that Jasmine had recently lost custody of the young boy to Borden despite his less than stellar living situation, following a dispute that turned physical and was in the presence of their toddler. It is said that Khyri Borden had had several run ins with the law previously with charges includign slapping a pregnant woman in 2010 and robbing a teenaged girl.

Understandably so, the family and close friends of the beautiful young mother are still trying to find ways to cope with the loss of someone they say "would give the shirt off her back" to someone in need. (I did attempt to reach out to Jasmine's younger sister for a comment, but did not receive a reply.) Out of respect for the family we have chosen to not release the name or photos of Jasmine's beautiful baby boy. A beautiful life has been lost. People have lost a best friend, a sister, a cousin, a daughter, but most of all...a sweet and innocent little boy has lost both a mother and essentially a father due to this tragedy. Scrolling through her Instagram posts you almost feel as though she was a friend of yours too. She is always smiling and seen having fun with her friends and family and lovingly sharing moments with her son who was clearly her pride and joy. She did not deserve to go so soon and so viciously. Our prayers, thoughts, and endless condolences go out to all who knew and loved Jasmine Gonzales and also to her precious baby boy.

To donate to the Jasmine Gonzalez Memorial Fund, please visit: www.gofundme.com/yn2jx2tc

Abuse is NEVER ok. If you or someone you know is currently or has been a victim of domestic violence, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Call 1-800-779-SAFE or visit www.thehotline.org.