Erica Reed, a 26-year-old resident of Chicago, Illinois, was tragically lost to gun violence on May 12, 2023. She was shot in the back of the head while leaving a party in an apartment in the South Chicago area. The incident occurred after an altercation had taken place earlier at the same location, though Erica was unaware of it at the time.
The suspect in her murder is identified as Shaunaria Watson, who has been charged with Erica's death.
This tragic event has had a profound impact on Erica's family, particularly her two young children. Her son, Keant’e “KJ” Boyd Jr., who was just 6 years old at the time, and her 3-year-old daughter, Emari, are now being raised by their grandmother, Donna Pearson-Simmons, and their father.
Following Erica's death, her son KJ struggled significantly with the loss, initially shutting down and refusing to talk. However, he found some solace and support through the Storytellers Camp run by Chicago Survivors, a nonprofit organization that provides therapy and support to children who have lost loved ones to violence. The camp, held in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, allowed KJ to express his feelings and memories of his mother in a supportive environment, helping him to begin the healing process.
Erica Reed is remembered as a loving mother and a vibrant individual who enjoyed dancing, singing, and living life to the fullest. Her family and friends describe her as the "life of the party" who kept everyone smiling. The community has been encouraged to keep her memories alive, especially for the sake of her children, who now have to grow up without their mother.
