On a summer day in Buffalo, New York, a mother's life was tragically cut short in a brazen act of violence that continues to haunt her family. Lakendra Tillmon, a 31-year-old Black/African American woman, was a devoted mother to five children. On August 2, 2018, she was driving down Butler Avenue, accompanied by her boyfriend, his son, and two of her own children, on a day that should have been filled with routine errands.
Without warning, their vehicle was targeted by gunfire.
Two unidentified men reportedly exited another vehicle and opened fire on the car Tillmon was driving. Struck by the gunfire, she lost control of her pickup truck, which then tragically crashed into a tree. The children and her boyfriend in the vehicle were physically unharmed but were left to witness the horrific event. First responders rushed Tillmon to Erie County Medical Center, but her injuries proved to be fatal, and she was pronounced dead later that night.
The sudden and violent death of Lakendra Tillmon sent shockwaves through her community and left her family devastated. Her sister, Tanisha Tillmon, stepped in to care for her five children, who ranged in age from 8 to 16 at the time. The family has been vocal in their grief and their quest for answers, holding memorials and pleading with the public for any information that could lead to the capture of those responsible. Her eldest daughter, Nevaeh, has spoken about the profound pain of growing up without her mother.
Despite the ongoing investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, the case of Lakendra Tillmon's murder remains unsolved. As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Law enforcement has repeatedly asked for anyone with information to come forward and contact their confidential tip line at 847-2255. The family continues to hope that one day justice will be served for Lakendra, bringing a measure of peace to her grieving children and loved ones.
