The tragic story of Julia Majette continues to linger in the shadows of Madison, Wisconsin, as her family waits for justice in a case that has gone cold for more than a decade. Julia’s life, filled with ambition, love, resilience, and compassion, was cut short on June 12, 2013, when armed intruders entered her home, fatally shooting her in the presence of her children. Despite the trauma that unfolded that night, her murder remains an unsolved homicide, a haunting reminder of the thousands of cold case files in America that reflect not only personal grief but also systemic failures in the criminal justice system.
Julia was born on March 15, 1988, in Camden, New Jersey, named after her great-grandmother, carrying a family name passed down for four generations. She grew up on Madison’s east side, where she later built her career, developed lifelong friendships, and became a devoted mother of three. From her earliest years, she demonstrated a remarkable spirit and maturity beyond her age. Her father, Rufus Hackett, recalls how even as a little girl she valued time with loved ones more than material possessions. When presented with toys, Julia reminded him that the real gift was his presence. This insight, rare for a child, set the tone for the kind of woman she became—someone who placed love, connection, and loyalty above everything else.
Julia’s family affectionately called her “Sweet Pea,” a nickname that embodied her kind-hearted, forgiving nature. Her younger sister, Tyrea, often described Julia as someone who would give the shirt off her back to help another person. Such generosity defined her life. Her mother, Tracey Cherry, described Julia’s resilience and determination from a young age. She graduated from East High School, overcame challenges, and pursued opportunities with unrelenting ambition. She began working as a teenager, holding jobs at Woodman’s grocery store and Klinke Cleaners, showing her independence and entrepreneurial spirit.
Music became a cornerstone of Julia’s life. She loved R&B and hip-hop, carried her Walkman everywhere, and idolized artists like Michael Jackson and Maxwell. Inspired by her DJ aunt in New Jersey, Julia began DJing herself under the name “DJ Chief.” She and her sister hosted parties, charging admission and running events with professionalism far beyond their years. She invested in her craft with her father’s gift of a record player and turntable set, a tangible symbol of her hustle and entrepreneurial drive. Her love for music was matched by her humor and ability to bring people together through shared laughter, classic films, and her contagious smile.
Her ambitions extended far beyond music. Julia pursued a career in life insurance sales, showing her financial acumen, and dreamed of becoming a nurse. She enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Odyssey Project to further her education and signed up for nursing courses at Edgewood College shortly before her death. She also managed Pine View Living in Wisconsin and worked as a caregiver at Visiting Angels, dedicating herself to service. Her colleagues and family honored her legacy by planting a tree in her memory in 2013, a living reminder of her nurturing spirit.
Above all, Julia was a mother. Her three children were her greatest joy, and despite her busy schedule, she made time for birthdays, celebrations, and family traditions. She was the kind of mother who worked tirelessly but never allowed her children to feel neglected. Her sister Tyrea admired her leadership and protection, describing Julia as a sibling who made her feel invincible. Together they shared cherished memories, such as Greyhound trips to New Jersey and carefree summer days at Clementon Water Park, where their competitiveness and laughter created moments that still comfort Tyrea today.
Julia’s style, charisma, and smile made her unforgettable. She often wore feathered high ponytails or crimps, did her own hair and nails, and carried herself with confidence. Her mother remembers her as someone who refused to follow the crowd, someone who carved her own identity and expressed love through food, especially her barbecue, which family and friends still talk about. Her home was always a welcoming place, beautifully decorated and full of warmth. Even in her demanding schedule, she forged close friendships, such as with Kandis Woods, a hairdresser who became her confidante and balance.
But on the rainy night of June 12, 2013, Julia’s life came to a devastating end. With her aunt and uncle staying in the basement, Julia’s home became the scene of a violent crime. Intruders broke in, gunshots rang out, and Julia was killed in front of her children. The trauma of that night has never left her family, and the killers have never been brought to justice. The homicide investigation, despite witnesses and potential leads, grew cold. Like many families caught in similar tragedies, Julia’s loved ones have been forced to live with unanswered questions and lingering grief, while the case remains buried in unsolved homicide statistics.
Cold case files like Julia’s illustrate the painful intersection of violent crime, forensic investigation gaps, and underfunded public safety systems. Families who lose loved ones in such circumstances often explore the possibility of wrongful death lawsuits, hire private investigators, or consult with criminal defense attorneys and family law attorneys to navigate both the legal complexities and the emotional trauma. The financial costs of homicide investigations, crime scene reconstruction, and forensic testing are immense, and when cases stagnate, victims’ families are left in limbo. Julia’s family experienced firsthand how the justice system can fail, yet they remain committed to keeping her memory alive.
Her father still recalls a moment at a party shortly before her death when he resisted an urge to embrace and dance with her, a regret he carries deeply. Her sister, meanwhile, continues to celebrate Julia’s birthday with cake and song each year, creating a living tradition that ensures her memory endures. For families like theirs, grief counseling services, trauma recovery programs, and victim advocacy groups provide essential support. These services often intersect with broader conversations about criminal justice reform, the role of public safety funding, and the importance of community-based solutions to violent crime.
Cases like Julia’s also highlight the importance of modern forensic technologies, including DNA analysis, digital crime scene reconstruction, and advanced investigative methods that private investigators and law enforcement agencies increasingly rely upon. Families often turn to reward funds and public awareness campaigns to generate new leads. In high-profile communities, especially in cities with rising violent crime statistics such as Madison, Wisconsin, public attention on cold case files emphasizes both the failures and the possibilities of justice delayed but not denied.
Julia’s murder is not just a personal tragedy but a public safety issue, a legal justice failure, and a case study in how unsolved homicides impact entire communities. For upper-class audiences in Western societies who are increasingly concerned with issues like estate planning, life insurance settlements, home security systems, and family law protections, Julia’s story resonates deeply. It demonstrates how quickly life can change and how fragile security can be, even in seemingly safe neighborhoods. It also reminds us of the pressing need for investment in forensic investigation and the pursuit of justice for families who deserve closure.
Today, more than ten years later, Julia’s case remains a cold file. Yet her family continues to honor her life, advocate for justice, and hold onto hope that someone will come forward with information that could finally bring accountability. Cold case files like Julia’s remind society that behind every statistic is a vibrant life, a grieving family, and an enduring call for justice.
Julia Majette’s life reflected ambition, love, and resilience. Her death revealed the flaws of a justice system struggling with unsolved homicide investigations. Her legacy remains a powerful testament to the need for change, investment, and reform. For her children, her siblings, and her parents, justice is not just about solving a crime—it is about restoring dignity, preserving memory, and ensuring that the violent acts that shattered one family do not repeat in others.
Julia’s story belongs not only to her family but to the larger narrative of cold case files in America. It compels us to ask difficult questions about safety, justice, and responsibility. Until answers come, her family will continue to celebrate her life, fight for her memory, and hope for the day when justice finally arrives.