Deshaunte C. Williams-Holly, an 18-year-old African American woman, was fatally shot on March 8, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. The incident occurred just before midnight in the 100 block of East 21st Street on the Near South Side. Williams-Holly was inside a vehicle with a 38-year-old man when shots were fired from another vehicle. She was struck in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene. The man, who was shot in the hand, survived and was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition.
Authorities later arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting. Jeremiah Jordan, 24, and Shanna Walton-Smith, 19, were taken into custody early Saturday morning, approximately an hour after the attack. According to police reports, the shooting stemmed from a drug deal. Williams-Holly and the male victim had driven to the location to purchase drugs from Walton-Smith. Upon arrival, Walton-Smith entered the backseat of their vehicle. Shortly after, Jordan pulled up in a red SUV, blocking their car from leaving. At one point, Williams-Holly reached into the backseat, prompting Walton-Smith to signal Jordan. Jordan then fired multiple shots through the front windshield, striking Williams-Holly multiple times.
The male victim attempted to flee by reversing the vehicle but crashed into a parked car. He then exited the vehicle and hid behind other parked cars. Walton-Smith jumped out of the victims' vehicle and entered Jordan’s SUV before the two fled the scene. The male victim, despite his injuries, managed to flag down a passing police car for help.
Investigators used surveillance footage and license plate readers to track the red SUV, which was registered to Jordan’s mother. Officers later spotted the vehicle near 59th and Wells, but Jordan attempted to evade capture. After a brief chase, police apprehended both suspects. A firearm matching the shell casings found at the crime scene was recovered from the SUV. Additionally, GPS data placed both suspects near the scene at the time of the shooting.
During questioning, Walton-Smith claimed that Williams-Holly had pulled out a gun, prompting her to signal Jordan to open fire. Both suspects now face multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Authorities continue to investigate the case.
