Briana Sanai Ware-Hall, an 18-year-old African American woman from Waukegan, Illinois, tragically lost her life on July 12, 2023. She was found fatally shot in a vehicle alongside another victim, 19-year-old Serenity Childs of North Chicago. The incident occurred in the rear parking lot of 2421 Washington Street in Waukegan, prompting an immediate response from the Waukegan Police Department. Officers arrived at the scene around 5:06 p.m. following reports of gunfire and discovered both young women deceased inside the vehicle.
Authorities swiftly launched an investigation, securing the crime scene and canvassing for witnesses and surveillance footage. Several 9mm shell casings were recovered, and a handgun was found at the scene with its slide locked to the rear, indicating it had been fired until empty. The police identified 18-year-old Jonathan Stinnette of Winthrop Harbor as a suspect in the shooting. Witness statements suggested that the incident was domestic-related, with Stinnette having a prior relationship with one of the victims.
Following the shooting, Stinnette and a 21-year-old Waukegan resident fled the scene in a black Nissan. Investigators tracked the vehicle to a residence in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where both suspects were known to frequent. The Kenosha Police Department apprehended Stinnette and the second individual, leading to their detention. Waukegan detectives traveled to Kenosha to conduct interviews and gather statements from the suspects.
The tragic deaths of Briana Sanai Ware-Hall, an 18-year-old African American woman, and Serenity Childs, a 19-year-old African American woman, underscored concerns about gun violence in the community. Local officials, including the mayor of Waukegan, publicly condemned the violence, calling for increased efforts to address the issue. The investigation into the case continued as authorities worked to bring justice for the victims and their families.
