Jasmine Marie Johnson, a 25-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on December 3, 2018, in Chicago, IL. Jasmine had been trying to leave her increasingly abusive boyfriend, Derell Sikes, for at least two months. During her last effort to escape, Sikes shot her as she tried to drive away from an argument outside his home in Stony Island Park on the South Side.
Jasmine crashed into another vehicle in the 7800 block of South Bennett and died of the gunshot wound at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Derell Sikes, 27, fatally shot himself after killing Jasmine. The two had met two years prior through a mutual friend. Jasmine had recently confided in her cousin, Jessica Disu, that she wanted to leave Sikes for an old boyfriend. The quarrel between Sikes and Jasmine was likely fueled by him learning of her plans to end the relationship. Jasmine's family had supported her decision, knowing that she was too good for him.
The Cook County medical examiner's office ruled Jasmine's death a homicide and Sikes' death a suicide following autopsies. Jasmine's other cousin, Mikhayla Hale, was on the phone with her when she was murdered. Jasmine had been calling her on-and-off, in hysterics, explaining that Sikes was threatening her and that she wanted someone to come get her.
Jasmine's death is a heartbreaking example of domestic violence, and her family and friends have been left devastated by the loss. They have called for the community to stand with them and raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence.
