‘Really need justice’: Daughters plea for justice years after their mother’s death
by: Raven Copeland
COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — A Collierville family is pleading for justice after the death of a beloved matriarch.
Eric Otten is accused of killing his estranged wife, Jenni and her friend, Mark Cross, in the fall of 2023.
However, Jenni’s daughters, Erica and Kayla, told WREG that they have yet to get their day in court.
“We’re tired of not having answers, not knowing what’s going on,” Erica Otten said. “Why can’t we get this trial going?”
The fatal shooting occurred on September 9, 2023, outside the Meridian Park Apartments in Collierville.
Eric Otten allegedly shot Jenni Otten to death and Mark Cross was injured as well. Cross later died from his injuries weeks after the crime.
When police arrived at the scene, Eric Otten was not there.
Investigators said he fled but was found and arrested a day later in Texas. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
“I had to be the one to call everybody and let them know what happened,” Kayla Otten said. “I had just turned 20, so that was really hard.”
Ever since that fateful September night, Jenni Otten’s daughters said they’ve been fighting for justice.
They said they have rarely received any updates about Eric’s court hearings and have not been told when he will go on trial.
“We are just ready for the trial to get going because not only our family but Mark’s family, they need peace,” Erica Otten said. “We need healing and we can’t do that until this gets going.”
Although Eric Otten remains in jail, the victim’s daughters told WREG that their father has tried to contact them and has filed a civil lawsuit against them and their family.
They also said he’s been attempting to receive money from their mother’s life insurance policy.
Erica and Kayla said that their father’s actions are only adding to their pain.
“It’s been impossible to get any kind of justice, like she said, our healing is being pushed off,” Kayla Otten said. “I mean, my uncle doesn’t have time to heal because he’s gotta deal with lawyers. My sister and I don’t have time to heal.”
Jenni’s daughters hope their voices result in justice for their mother and Mark and that they’re able to one day be the hero that their mom was for them.
“I really need justice, but I also just hope that my mom is an advocate for the other women who are abused, so maybe they won’t end up the way that my mom did,” Kayla Otten said.
Eric Otten remains in jail on a $3 million bond. According to jail records, his next court date is April 1.
WREG reached out to the Shelby County DA’s office for any updates on the case. We are still waiting to hear back.
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