Aunt: 18-year-old woman killed in Trenton Sunday 'had so much to give to this world'

Madisson Bright had an infectious smile and loved animals so much that she insisted on having a full petting zoo at her fourth birthday party, even though she lived in the middle of a city. 

Less than a week ago, she was a typical 18-year-old "just trying to figure out life," according to her aunt Allison Brauer. 

"She had so much to give to this world," Brauer said.

Bright was shot and killed in Trenton on the 800 block of South Lexington Street Sunday morning, according to Trenton police. Deandrez Gaybron Belew, 23, faces one count of reckless homicide in connection with her death. Belew remains in custody in the Gibson County Jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond.

Brauer remembers the first time her family took Bright horseback riding at Natchez Trace when she was around four years old. Bright developed a love for horses and horseback riding that further cemented her interest in animals. Brauer said she thinks Bright eventually would have followed in her mother's footsteps, seeking a career as a veterinary technician.

Her family and animals were Bright's biggest loves, she said. Brauer still laughs when she thinks about the petting zoo spectacle all those years ago.

"It was there and they had the pony riding up and down the street with them," she recalls. "It was the funniest thing."

Bright had a knack for bringing a smile to people's faces like that, she added. And she was a protector, too.

When Brauer's middle son was born, he and Bright formed an instant bond. Bright, who was still a child herself, helped look after him.

"Nobody could touch that baby unless she was there to make sure that he was okay," Brauer recalled.

Bright's family plans to hold a private funeral service. Brauer said she wants Bright to be remembered as a loving person with a giving nature.

"She loved life and people and she just had the sweetest spirit about her," Brauer said.

Reach Cassandra Stephenson at ckstephens@jacksonsun.com or at (731) 694-7261. Follow Cassandra on Twitter at @CStephenson731.