A Chicago-area teen is being charged as an adult after allegedly shooting and killing three people during a home invasion on March 5. Byrion Montgomery, 17, reportedly broke into his girlfriend's home, and a domestic dispute allegedly ensued.
Three people, 17-year-old Samiya A. Shelton-Tillman, 9-year-old Sanai Daniels, and 40-year-old Cartez L. Daniels, all died from gunshot wounds. Cartez Daniels' fiancée and Shelton-Tillman's mother, 34-year-old Tania Stewart, was wounded but expected to survive.
Police in Bolingbrook, Illinois, released a statement indicating the two teens were in a relationship at the time of the shooting. Investigators are looking for a motive behind the tragedy, which has shaken the community.
The killings occurred on the evening of March 5.
According to Bolingbrook police, officers responded to a home at 8:15 p.m. after receiving a call for a domestic-related home invasion. Upon arrival, police found Cartez and Sanai Daniels already dead and Shelton-Tillman and her mother injured. They were taken to a hospital, and Shelton-Tillman died there. Police quickly identified Montgomery as the sole suspect and took him into custody at his home around 10 p.m.
In addition to the victims, a 3-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy were in the home at the time of the killings but were unharmed.
Neighbors heard several gunshots and took cover.
Ryan Hedberg said the neighborhood is usually safe and quiet, according to ABC 7 Chicago. He had just returned home that night when he began to hear shots.
"Came home from dropping off my kids, and got inside and heard two gunshots," Hedberg recalled. "There was apparently more, but that's what we heard when we were sitting inside."
A second neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed her son was playing an online game with Sanai Daniels when he heard gunshots and the child suddenly went silent.
"My son was playing a game, and then he ran in the room, and was like, 'Mom, I think something happened' to his friend. I said, 'why would you say that?' He said he was playing the game, and then he heard gunshots go out, and then he didn't hear his friend anymore," she explained.
The young girls were students in Valley View School District 365.
The district had counselors on hand Tuesday to help students work through their emotions after losing their classmates and friends. The district released a statement about the killings.
"We have reached out to the families involved to express our condolences and to offer our support as they experience this devastating loss. In addition, we have initiated the District Crisis Response Plan to support our school communities and families that have been greatly impacted by this senseless act of violence," the statement reads per ABC 7 Chicago.
The community held a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the victims.
Bolingbrook came together for the families who lost their loved ones. Comments on the vigil's live stream offered prayers for all involved.
"I was Sanai's bus driver. She really touched my heart with her smile," one comment read. "My heart is so broken. I will miss you Sanai."
"My heart for this family. May God touch the Mother and the rest of this family that they will be about to move forward. Father God hold this family in Your arms that they will feel your love and comfort. In Christ Jesus Holy Name I pray," another person wrote.
Survivor Tania Stewart is asking for help from the community.
Stewart organized a GoFundMe page to help aid in final expenses for those she holds so dear. Thus far the account has raised more than $2,000 of a $20,000 goal.
"My family was brutally murdered when my daughter's boyfriend entered our home and slaughtered my fiancé and two beautiful daughters to death. I AM A SURVIVOR I don't know how and I don't know why? I feel like I should have died with them But I have two beautiful boys that need me," she wrote on the page.
"I have to be strong but if you can find it In your hearts to help me and my family move forward I would greatly appreciate it. I am completely devastated by what has transpired Now I have to move on with life without my loved ones," she added.
Prosecutors have charged Montgomery with multiple felonies.
Prosecutors have charged the 17-year-old with nine counts of first-degree murder (three for each victim), attempted first-degree murder, home invasion, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, ABC 7 Chicago reported. Officials set his bail at $20 million.
He pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday. Montgomery's next scheduled court appearance is March 30. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
