An Illinois woman, Johnnetta Smith, tragically died outside her home just days before she was to undergo life-saving brain tumor surgery. The Peoria Police Department reported that Smith was shot by her ex-boyfriend, Kenten T. Watkins, Jr., in the East Bluff area of Peoria. Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert on Republic Street, indicating ten shots had been fired around 5:25 p.m. Tuesday.
Upon arrival, officers found Smith with multiple gunshot wounds and began life-saving procedures. She was transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, but was pronounced dead at 5:55 p.m., according to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood. An autopsy confirmed that he had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, which caused his death within minutes, he reported. The mirror United States.
Shortly after, officers received another report across town on Sodus Court, where they discovered a 63-year-old man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg. During their investigation, detectives identified Watkins as the suspect in both shootings. When they arrived at the scene on Sodus Court, they found Watkins dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, an autopsy confirmed.
Smith’s family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, as his insurance had lapsed due to the loss of his job. Her sister, Shaletta Kimber, shared on the page: “My sister was ambushed and murdered last night in front of her house… She was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and was due to have surgery in the coming weeks.” Kimber, who resides in Michigan, expressed her gratitude for any support, including donations toward funeral costs, food for the memorial service, obituaries and decorations.
The heartbreaking incident has left Smith’s family and community in mourning, and his sister plans to travel to Illinois to finalize arrangements and support Smith’s children. The Peoria community remembers Smith as he prepared for a critical medical procedure that had offered him hope for his future.