Mom of 2 Shot and Killed While Walking Her Child to the Bus Stop: ‘We Want the Killer Caught ASAP’

A 23-year-old mother of two was shot and killed while walking her child to school.

Police said the incident happened around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, near Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary School in Louisville, Ky. The victim, Redaja “Juicy” Williams, was identified by her family, according to WHAS11. Williams leaves behind her 7-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old child.

The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) reported that Williams was taken to the University of Louisville Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Kendra LaRue, a witness, told WLKY that she screamed and told children to get down as shots were fired. “Every time I close my eyes, I see her, and I hear her breath. I hear her gasping for air,” LaRue said.

Police first questioned a 15-year-old boy as a possible suspect, but he was released. He was later charged in an unrelated shooting in the same area on Aug. 7. LMPD is still searching for the person responsible.

Williams’ sister, Lavett Knuckles, said she saw the shooting happen. “I had to watch my sister lay on that ground and take her last breath. There was nothing I could do about it,” she told WKLY. She added that her own daughter witnessed the tragedy and is traumatized.

Williams’ mother, Schreida Simmons, told WHAS11 that her daughter “was the life of the party.” Her cousin, Twand Howard, said, “She’d light up the room every time she came in – you’d know it was Juicy.”

Her aunt, Donna Cole, spoke at a press conference the next day, asking people to keep Williams’ memory alive. “Be angry every day. Be proactive in your community. Don’t talk about it. Be about it,” she said.

Other family members also urged the suspect to come forward. “If you’re real men, say who done it. Please. ‘Cause it may be your child next,” said her great-uncle Kenneth Simmons. Williams’ grandfather, Bruce Simmons, told WAVE, “You can’t even go to the grocery store without somebody wanting to shoot you, or rob you, or carjack you. It’s gotta stop somewhere.”

LMPD Chief Paul L. Humphrey confirmed that children who witnessed the shooting will receive counseling through Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), the local YMCA, and the Office of Violence Prevention. “This is something that changes you forever,” Humphrey said, stressing the need for continued community support.

LMPD asks anyone with information to call the anonymous tip line at 502-574-LMPD or use the online crime tip hotline.

A representative for the Louisville Metro Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Thursday.