A Louisville community is reeling after a young mother was gunned down while taking her daughter to the school bus stop.
Redaja “Juicy” Williams, 23, was walking her 7-year-old to catch the bus near Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary School around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, when shots rang out, according to Louisville Metro Police. Williams, who also leaves behind a 2-year-old child, was rushed to the University of Louisville Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Witness Kendra LaRue described the chaos as children scattered for safety. “I screamed, I yelled, I made everybody get down,” she told WLKY. “Every time I close my eyes, I see her, and I hear her breath. I hear her gasping for air.”
Williams’ sister, Lavett Knuckles, says she saw the shooting happen. “I had to watch my sister lay on that ground and take her last breath,” she said. “My daughter witnessed this too. She’s traumatized, so many questions.”
Police initially detained a 15-year-old boy for questioning but later released him. He has since been charged in a separate shooting that took place nearby on Aug. 7. The search for Williams’ killer continues.
Her family says she was full of life and love. “She’d light up the room every time she came in — you’d know it was Juicy,” cousin Twand Howard recalled. Her mother, Schreida Simmons, is pleading for answers. “We want the killer caught ASAP.”
At a press conference, her aunt Donna Cole urged the community to act. “Be angry every day. Be proactive in your neighborhood. Don’t talk about it. Be about it.” Her grandfather, Bruce Simmons, voiced frustration over the violence. “You can’t even go to the grocery store without somebody wanting to shoot you… It’s gotta stop somewhere.”
Police say children who witnessed the shooting will receive counseling through Jefferson County Public Schools, the YMCA, and the Office of Violence Prevention. “You don’t get through something like this as a young person,” said LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey. “These kids are forever impacted.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact LMPD’s anonymous tip line at 502-574-LMPD or submit tips online.
Praying for those who have lost loved ones and for those who witnessed death….Jesus healed me and I have asked the Lord to do what no one else can do….only HE can heal a grieving heart. It is the most painful of all emotions. We are living in MATTHEW chapter 24. These are Biblical times and it will only get worse. Jesus is the ONLY way out of what’s coming that cannot be stopped. HE is as close as HIS name whispered or shouted….”whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 Please talk to HIM now. HE is real and deeply loves you. He’s waiting.