A mother in Missouri, Shakeela Martin, was tragically shot and killed outside a gas station near Ferguson. This incident occurred while she was buying slushies with two of her children. The shooting has left authorities searching for the suspect involved.
Shakeela Martin, 35, was at a BP gas station located at South Florissant and Woodstock roads when the tragedy took place. The Ferguson Police Department reported that the shooting followed an altercation that began inside the store and escalated into the parking lot.
On a hot evening, Martin had stopped to get frozen drinks for her two children, ages 9 and 6. Shots rang out, striking Martin as she returned to her vehicle. Her children were unharmed physically but witnessed the horrifying event.
“She was here to purchase some soft drinks for her young kids,”said Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle to First Alert 4.“They’re physically unhurt but obviously hurt emotionally. You can only imagine what a child would go through watching their mom being murdered in front of them.”
Another victim, a man, was also shot and remains in critical condition. His involvement in the altercation or whether he was an intended target is unclear. The police are yet to make any arrests as the investigation continues.
The family states that Martin was about to start a new chapter in her life, planning to move into a new home. The day she was killed, she intended to celebrate this significant step with her children by stopping for slushies.
According to a GoFundMe campaign, the family is mourning the loss of Martin. The fundraiser describes her as a devoted mother to her five children, who were always her priority. It highlights that Martin didn’t have life insurance and that the funds raised will support funeral expenses and her children’s immediate needs.
The community and the police department urge anyone with knowledge of the incident to reach out. They can contact the Ferguson Police Department at 314-522-3100 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.
Reporter Bradford Betz from Fox News Digital contributed to this report.