A tragic incident occurred in Ferguson, Missouri, where a mother of five, Shakeela Martin, was fatally shot outside a gas station. The incident happened just before midnight on a summer night, as she was purchasing slushies with two of her children, aged 9 and 6.
The shooting took place at a BP gas station located at South Florissant and Woodstock roads. According to the Ferguson Police Department, an altercation that began inside the convenience store escalated into the parking lot, leading to gunfire. Investigators believe that Martin was a bystander caught in the crossfire.
“She was here to purchase some soft drinks for her young kids,” stated Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle. He also noted that while the children were not physically harmed, they are understandably traumatized after witnessing their mother’s death.
“They’re physically unhurt but obviously hurt emotionally,” Chief Doyle mentioned. “You can only imagine what a child would go through watching their mom being murdered in front of them.”
Another individual, an adult man, was also hit by gunfire and remains hospitalized in critical condition. It is unclear if he was involved in the initial altercation or targeted in the shooting.
Martin’s family is mourning her sudden loss. She was in the process of moving into a new home with her children the day following her death. To celebrate, she had taken her children to get slushies, where the tragic event unfolded.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral and burial expenses, emphasizing Martin’s role as a “devoted mother to five beautiful children who were the center of her world.” The fundraiser indicates that the family intends to use additional funds for the children’s immediate needs.
The Ferguson Police Department has urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact investigators. Leads can be reported at 314-522-3100 or through CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.
In lieu of life insurance, the community is rallying to support Martin’s family during this challenging time.