The mother of a woman who was shot and killed during a fight in the South Loop Monday wants justice for her daughter.
The family of 31-year-old Romeca Meeks-Blackmon attended a vigil for her on Friday in West Englewood.
Surrounded by family and overwhelmed with grief, her mother, Tina McMiller, said she’s heartbroken after losing her daughter to gun violence.
“The love she showed everybody, y’all showed it all back,” she said.
Hurt, sadness, and broken hearts were expressed on a memorial board posted at the vigil outside Englewood STEM High School.
“We are here to support an amazing baby,” said Meeks-Blackmon’s cousin, Ciardra Bays.
Earlier in the day, McMiller called for an end to gun violence and for the state to enforce the Illinois Health Reform Act from 2021, which includes mental health resources.
“I want justice,” McMiller said. “She didn’t deserve it. It’s not right, I don’t care what you did. “
On Monday, Meeks-Blackmon had just dropped off her son at school near Cermak Road and State Street, when police said she got into a fight with another person, who pulled out a gun and fired it, hitting Meeks-Blackmon in the face.
She was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where she died.
“I ask that you give us strength. Give us strength father, for every one of us, because we’re going to need it in this moment,” Bays said.
Her mother said Meeks-Blackmon was a kind, loving, and sweet mother. Now McMiller is left with raising her grandson.
“I need y’all to pray for my baby. He has shut down. He don’t want to be around nobody,” she said.
Police said the person taken into custody after the fatal shooting has been released without charges. Her family is eagerly seeking justice.
Balloons bearing her nickname, Big Meeks, were released among thousands of pink, white, and silver balloons at the vigil.
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