Mother of Prince William Co. student hoping daughter's death raises awareness on suicide prevention

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - A Prince William County community is continuing to mourn four students who died over the weekend. The family of one of the students is speaking out after their child's death was ruled a suicide.

Indya Davis would have turned 18 years old this December. Instead of marking a milestone, her family is planning a funeral. Her mother hopes talking about this tragedy will help those who need it most.

"We've gotten so much support from the community that I can't even begin to tell them how much I appreciate it," said an emotional Lisa Davis. "I didn't realize how many people loved us and I don't take that for granted."

She said if sharing her daughter's story prevents one person from taking their own life, it's worth it.

"Parents -- listen to your children, help them and let them know that they can come and talk to you," said Davis. "But first and foremost, make sure that you have a relationship with them. My second message would be that fathers need to know how important they are in their daughter's life."

Davis is divorced.

"That relationship is vital," she said. "It's vital to a young lady's self-esteem, self-confidence and what she can expect of relationships in her life as she grows up."

Lisa Davis' significant other, Tony Lee, was seated to her right during our interview. He urged parents to notice warning signs.

"Changes in behavior, especially when having a relationship at such a young age," said Lee. "The closeness and what is really going on with that relationship."

Indya Davis was found stabbed to death inside a van in Woodbridge on Saturday. Her friend, Lyle Ferringer, was also discovered stabbed to death inside the vehicle.

Prince William County police say Davis' wounds were self-inflicted.

Police say the manner of death concerning Ferringer is still pending further investigation and toxicology results.

"She will certainly be remembered as a joy in my life and I will remember us crocheting together, going shopping together," said Indya's mother.

Lisa Davis said her daughter showed no signs of mental illness or depression, but hopes her story will help someone else. Most importantly, spark dialogue about suicide prevention.

Davis is planning to start a non-profit organization focusing on suicide prevention and how the community, family and loved ones can help.

Indya Davis' funeral is being held this Sunday at 3 p.m. at Christ Chapel Ministries on Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.

The viewing starts at 2 p.m. The services are open to the public.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks the community to contribute online in memory of Indya on www.save.org.