Authorities are currently seeking the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old woman in Louisville. This incident occurred when she was taking her 7-year-old daughter to the bus stop, a routine that turned deadly.
According to WHAS11, the victim, named Redaja “Juicy” Williams, was shot on a Wednesday morning near Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School while walking with her daughter.
“I watched my sister take her last breath on that pavement. It’s something I couldn’t change,” shared Lavett Knuckles, deeply affected by the incident.
Williams’ mother, Schreida Simmons, remembered her daughter as the life of every gathering. “Every time she walked in, you just knew it was Juicy,” added her cousin, Twand Howard.
Addressing the media the day after the tragedy, Williams’ aunt, Donna Cole, expressed her concern about safety in their neighborhood. “I stand here today because my niece lost her life in front of her daughter – and all the other kids waiting for the bus. I feel traumatized and I’m scared for everyone’s children,” she remarked.
Although the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has yet to apprehend the shooter, they have questioned a 15-year-old boy who was later released after confirming he wasn’t associated with Williams’ death. Instead, this teenager faced charges relating to a different shooting that happened nearby, WHAS11 reported.
“My daughter was at that bus stop too and saw everything. She’s traumatized and has way too many questions right now,” Knuckles added.
In response to the tragic event, community leaders along with the Louisville Metro Police took action to accompany families as they walked to the bus stop the following day. “No child should have to face a bus stop guarded by police and squad cars. That’s not the world I want for my kid or for any other child,” voiced Lyndon Pryor, president of the Louisville Urban League.
Williams’ uncle, Kenneth Simmons, has made a plea for the gunman to turn himself in, stating, “If you’re truly a man, come forward and take responsibility. It could be your child next.”
