Illinois Woman Killed by Ex-Boyfriend Days Before Scheduled Brain Tumor Surgery
( Image: 25 News)
An Illinois woman, Johnnetta Smith, was tragically killed outside her home just days before she was scheduled for life-saving brain tumor surgery. The Peoria Police Department reported that Smith was shot by her ex-boyfriend, Kenten T. Watkins, Jr., in the East Bluff area of Peoria. Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert on Republic Street, indicating that ten shots had been fired around 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday.
Upon arrival, officers found Smith with multiple gunshot wounds and began life-saving procedures. She was transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center but was pronounced dead at 5:55 p.m., according to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood. An autopsy confirmed she had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, resulting in her death within minutes, reported The Mirror US.
Shortly after, officers received another report across town on Sodus Court, where they discovered a 63-year-old man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg. During their investigation, detectives identified Watkins as the suspect in both shootings. When they arrived at the scene on Sodus Court, they found Watkins dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, as confirmed by an autopsy.
Smith’s family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, as her insurance had lapsed due to job loss. Her sister, Shaletta Kimber, shared on the page, “My sister was ambushed and murdered last night in front of her home… She was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and was due to schedule her surgery in the next weeks.” Kimber, who resides in Michigan, expressed her gratitude for any support, including donations for funeral costs, food for the repass, obituaries, and decorations.
The heartbreaking incident has left Smith’s family and community in mourning, with her sister planning to travel to Illinois to finalize arrangements and support Smith’s children. The Peoria community remembers Smith as she was preparing for a critical medical procedure that had offered hope for her future.
