Quentella Smith, a 34-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on July 4, 2020, in Chicago, IL. She was celebrating her sister's 30th birthday at 31st Street Beach when the incident occurred. Early in the morning, around 5:20 a.m., a group of six individuals approached Smith and her companions. Two members of the group pulled out guns and began shooting. Quentella Smith was struck in the head and multiple times in her body, leading to her immediate death at the scene.
Two men who were with her, aged 26 and 32, were also injured but survived the attack.
The investigation into Quentella Smith's murder has been ongoing, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The Cook County Crime Stoppers have offered a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest or indictment of those responsible for her death. Despite this incentive, the case remains unsolved, and the family continues to seek justice. Quentella Smith's mother, Delores Smith-Scott, has been vocal about her desire for justice, expressing the profound impact her daughter's death has had on their family. Smith's nine children, the youngest being three years old, are now being raised by their grandmother.
The emotional toll on the family has been significant, with five of Smith's children undergoing therapy to cope with the trauma of losing their mother. Delores Smith-Scott has emphasized the importance of ending gun violence, pleading for witnesses to come forward and help solve the case. The family no longer celebrates the Fourth of July, instead marking the day with a balloon release in memory of Quentella.
The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the case, but the lack of witnesses and concrete leads has made progress difficult. The community and Smith's family remain hopeful that someone will come forward with information that could lead to the resolution of this tragic case.
