Introduction to the Incident
The violent death of a 25-year-old woman who died when an SUV driven by her sister hit her in Lawndale is now being probed as suspicious, officials said Tuesday. A homicide investigation is underway in the death of Keyana Meeks, Chicago police said. No new arrests have been made.
Details of the Crash
The crash happened in the early morning hours of April 29 in the 1300 block of South Lawndale Avenue outside the family home. Keyana was on foot as her sister, behind the wheel of an Acura SUV, was driving through an alley off Lawndale Avenue and made a left turn onto 13th Street, and slammed into a fence, according to police reports. The collision caused the SUV to flip three times before landing on top of Keyana, according to relatives and traffic reports.
Investigation and Autopsy Findings
An autopsy for Meeks in April was inconclusive pending further study, but on May 30, the Cook County medical examiner’s office determined Meeks died of multiple blunt force injuries, and her death was ruled a homicide. This ruling has significant implications for the investigation, as it suggests that the death was not accidental but rather the result of an action that led to Keyana’s fatal injuries.
Family Reaction and Guilt
In the days after her death, their mother Angela Meeks told the Sun-Times guilt had gripped Keyana’s 21-year-old sister, who police said was arrested and released without being charged with anything at that time. The emotional toll on the family is evident, with the sister’s actions and the consequences thereof weighing heavily on their minds.
Conclusion
The death of Keyana Meeks is a tragic incident that highlights the complexities of familial relationships and the unforeseen consequences of actions. As the investigation continues, the community and the family await the outcome, hoping for justice and closure. The ruling of Keyana’s death as a homicide underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding her death.
FAQs
- Q: What were the circumstances of Keyana Meeks’ death?
A: Keyana Meeks was fatally hit by an SUV driven by her sister in Lawndale. The SUV flipped several times after hitting a fence and landed on Keyana. - Q: Has anyone been arrested in connection with Keyana Meeks’ death?
A: Yes, Keyana’s sister was arrested but released without charges at the time. The investigation is ongoing. - Q: What was the cause of Keyana Meeks’ death according to the autopsy?
A: The Cook County medical examiner’s office determined Keyana Meeks died of multiple blunt force injuries, ruling her death a homicide. - Q: How is the family coping with the death and the investigation?
A: The family, particularly Keyana’s sister, is dealing with guilt and emotional distress. The mother has spoken about the impact on the family, highlighting the complexity of their emotions and the need for justice and closure.