A mother was shot and killed just moments after dropping her son off at school in Chicago.
At 9:05 a.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 8, a 31-year-old woman was shot in the face at the 2200 block of South State Street, CBS News, ABC7 Chicago, and FOX 32 Chicago reported, citing the Chicago Police Department.
The victim has been identified as Romeca Meeks-Blackmon, according to CBS News Chicago and ABC7 Chicago. Her family held a vigil to remember her on Friday, Sept. 12, in West Englewood, CBS News Chicago reported.
In a video posted by the outlet, the victim’s mother, Tina McMiller, broke down as she told attendees, “I am broken, I am so broken,” after her daughter’s death.
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According to her Instagram page, Meeks-Blackmon’s son had just started first grade in August. Local outlet WGN-TV reported that she had just dropped him off at school when the shooting happened.
In her last post on Instagram Stories that Monday, Meeks-Blackmon shared a photo of a motivational note she wrote for her son and placed in his lunch.
“Happy Monday, son, today is the first start to this and you can start off strong,” the note read. “Always remain yourself. You’re the coolest, smartest and funniest kid I know. I love you so much and you make me so proud. Have a great day. Mommy loves you.”
A person was reportedly taken into custody after the shooting but has since been released, according to CBS News Chicago. Meeks-Blackmon’s family is now seeking justice.
Reports say the victim had a physical argument with a woman she knew, who then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot her in the face. Meeks-Blackmon was taken to Stroger Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said, per ABC7 Chicago.
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The cause of the argument is not known at this time. WGN-TV reported that detectives are speaking with witnesses and reviewing evidence to figure out what led to the shooting.
The woman’s family told the outlet that she had been working to become a nurse. “She was an outstanding mom who always showed up for her son,” they said in a statement. “She had the purest soul and she was the life of [her] friend group.”
