Woman Killed on West Side Had Order of Protection Against Ex-Boyfriend
Fatal Shooting a Tragic End to Abusive Relationship
A 41-year-old woman, Tanisha Weeks, was found shot to death in her North Lawndale home Thursday morning, along with her 35-year-old ex-boyfriend, Timothy Gibbs, who had been granted an order of protection against him.
Court Records Show History of Abuse and Threats
About 7:35 a.m., Weeks and Gibbs were found unresponsive in the 4100 block of West Grenshaw Street with gunshot wounds to the head, according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Both were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Emergency Order of Protection Granted in November
In November, Weeks was granted an emergency order of protection against Gibbs, who had threatened to kill her and himself, according to court records. The next day, sheriff’s officers serving Gibbs with the emergency order of protection discovered he had failed to register as a violent offender for a 2010 attempted murder conviction, according to court records.
Order of Protection Included Provisions to Keep Gibbs Away
The order of protection prohibited Gibbs from being within 100 feet of Weeks or having any form of contact. Gibbs was ordered to stay away from Weeks’ residence in the 4100 block of West Grenshaw and the school where she taught. He was also ordered to surrender any firearms, Firearm Owner’s Identification cards and concealed carry licenses to law enforcement.
A History of Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Abuse
Weeks and Gibbs had been in a relationship from March 2019 to Nov. 22, 2024, according to her petition for an order of protection. Since July 2020, Gibbs had been physically, sexually and emotionally abusive, according to her petition.
Details of Abuse Include Threats of Violence and Self-Harm
Three days after the breakup, Gibbs went to Weeks’ home, pulled out a gun and made her sit on the couch, according to her petition. Gibbs told her she was lying about her concern for him and threatened to kill herself and shoot her if she lied again, according to her petition. Weeks reported being physically and sexually abused multiple times throughout their relationship, and emotionally abused on a monthly basis, according to the petition.
Community Reacts to Tragic Loss
Kaniyah Todd, 19, a friend of Weeks, described her as a selfless person who wouldn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. Todd said their bond began about 2018 when Weeks taught Todd’s little sister in preschool at Frazier Elementary in North Lawndale and noticed that Todd needed some help. Weeks was at the hospital when Todd had her baby girl four months ago, Todd said.
Call to Action for Domestic Violence Reform
Last week, Illinois lawmakers passed a bill intended to promptly remove guns from those accused of abuse. Karina’s Bill, named in honor of Karina Gonzalez, requires police to confiscate guns within 96 hours of a judge’s order from people whose FOID cards have been revoked due to emergency restraining orders. The bill now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk and will take effect 90 days after it’s signed into law.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Tanisha Weeks is a devastating reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The passage of Karina’s Bill is a crucial step towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Tanisha Weeks?
A: Tanisha Weeks was found shot to death in her North Lawndale home alongside her ex-boyfriend, Timothy Gibbs, who had been granted an order of protection against him.
Q: What was the history of abuse between Weeks and Gibbs?
A: Weeks and Gibbs had a history of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse throughout their relationship, which included threats of violence and self-harm.
Q: What is Karina’s Bill, and how does it aim to address domestic violence?
A: Karina’s Bill requires police to confiscate guns within 96 hours of a judge’s order from people whose FOID cards have been revoked due to emergency restraining orders. The bill aims to promptly remove guns from those accused of abuse and prevent further violence.
