DOLTON, Ill. – A 16-year-old suspect has been taken into custody for the fatal shooting of a mother of eight, who was struck by a stray bullet while driving her children home from daycare. The incident occurred on August 21 at the intersection of Sibley Boulevard and Cottage Grove Avenue, according to the Dolton Police Department.
Marshia Bowman, 40, was caught in the crossfire and was hit in the head by a random bullet, authorities reported. With her four daughters aged 1, 4, 8, and 9 in the vehicle, Bowman lost control and crashed into a tree. The children escaped uninjured and sought help from witnesses, informing them that their mother had been shot.
Despite efforts to save her, Bowman succumbed to her injuries two days later. At the time of the shooting, it was believed that she had inadvertently become caught in gunfire between two rival groups.
Authorities launched an investigation, examining surveillance footage to identify the perpetrator. On Wednesday, the 16-year-old suspect was apprehended, but no details about their identity or charges have been released.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family and cover funeral expenses.