Introduction to the Case
A couple accused of killing an 18-year-old woman and wounding a man during a drug deal on the Near South Side are facing murder charges.
Jeremiah Jordan and Shanna Walton-Smith, who are dating, were arrested early Saturday — more than an hour after they allegedly opened fire on Deshaunte Williams-Holly, 18, and a 38-year-old man in the first block of East 21st Street, Chicago police said.
Charges Against the Couple
Jordan, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, murder with strong probability of death, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and attempting to flee from police, police said. Walton-Smith, 19, was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and murder with strong probability of death.
The Incident
About 11:55 p.m. Friday, Williams-Holly and the man drove to the area to buy drugs from Walton-Smith. When they arrived, Walton-Smith jumped into the backseat of their vehicle and after a few minutes, Jordan drove a red SUV alongside the vehicle — blocking it from driving off. Williams-Holly, who was sitting in the front passenger seat reached into the back seat, at which point Walton-Smith looked at Jordan and made a signal, prosecutors said.
The Shooting
Jordan then pulled out a gun and fired shots through the front windshield of the vehicle driven by Williams-Holly and the man. The man, who was driving, put the vehicle in reverse to escape gunfire but crashed into a parked car, prosecutors said. He then jumped out and hid behind other parked vehicles. Walton-Smith then jumped out of the vehicle and got inside the red SUV and she and Jordan fled the scene, prosecutors said.
Aftermath
The man, who was shot in the hand, ran to a nearby intersection and waved down a passing police car. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition, police said. Williams-Holly suffered multiple gunshot wounds to her body and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Investigation
Through surveillance cameras and license plate readers, officers were able to track the red SUV — which was registered to Jordan’s mother. Officers spotted the SUV near 59th and Wells, but Jordan, who was driving, attempted to flee, prosecutors said. After a brief chase, officers were able to arrest the couple. A gun, which matched the shell casings at the scene of the shooting, was found inside the SUV. GPS data also placed the couple’s cellphones near the area of the shooting at the same time it happened, prosecutors said.
Conflicting Statements
Walton-Smith told police she was inside the vehicle with Williams-Holly and signaled to Jordan to open fire after Williams-Holly pulled out a gun, prosecutors said. No weapons were found inside Williams-Holly’s vehicle. Prosecutors said that Jordan admitted to firing his weapon during a recorded phone call made at the police station.
Conclusion
The case highlights the dangers of drug deals gone wrong and the importance of swift law enforcement action in apprehending those responsible for violent crimes. The use of surveillance cameras, license plate readers, and GPS data played a crucial role in tracking down the suspects and gathering evidence.
FAQs
Q: What were the charges against Jeremiah Jordan and Shanna Walton-Smith?
A: Jordan was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, murder with strong probability of death, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and attempting to flee from police. Walton-Smith was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and murder with strong probability of death.
Q: What was the cause of the shooting?
A: The shooting occurred during a drug deal when Jordan allegedly opened fire on the vehicle driven by Williams-Holly and the man.
Q: How were the suspects apprehended?
A: The suspects were tracked down through surveillance cameras, license plate readers, and GPS data, and were arrested after a brief chase.
Q: What was the condition of the surviving victim?
A: The man, who was shot in the hand, was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition.
