On March 5, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Bolingbrook, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including 40-year-old Cartez L. Daniels. The incident was a domestic-related home invasion that took place in the 100 block of Lee Lane, just off Route 53. Bolingbrook police responded to the scene at approximately 8:15 p.m. after receiving reports of a possible home invasion. Upon arrival, they found that four people had been shot.
Cartez L.
Daniels, 40, was among the victims pronounced dead at the scene. He was the father of 9-year-old Sanai Daniels, who also lost her life in the shooting. The third victim was 17-year-old Samiya A. Shelton-Tillman, who was Daniels' fiancée's daughter and the girlfriend of the suspect, Byrion Montgomery. A 34-year-old woman, identified as Daniels' fiancée, was taken to a local hospital and was reported to be in critical but stable condition.
The suspect, 17-year-old Byrion Montgomery of Bolingbrook, was quickly identified and taken into custody near his home on Waterman Drive at around 10 p.m. the same evening. Montgomery was charged with multiple counts, including nine counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, home invasion, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty in Will County court on the following Tuesday and is facing a potential life sentence if convicted. Montgomery's bail was set at $20 million.
The shooting also involved two other children who were in the home at the time but were unharmed: a 3-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy. The community was deeply affected by the tragedy, with neighbors expressing shock and sadness over the incident. Crisis counselors were made available at the Valley View School District, where two of the victims were students, to support the school community and families impacted by the tragedy.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but it is known that Montgomery was in a dating relationship with Samiya Shelton-Tillman. The community has come together to honor the victims, with a growing memorial at the scene of the crime and a vigil held to pay respects to those who lost their lives.
