Shakeela Martin, 35, was fatally shot just before midnight outside a BP gas station at South Florissant and Woodstock roads in Ferguson, Missouri, while buying frozen drinks for two of her children, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 314-522-3100 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.
The Ferguson Police Department said Martin stopped at the convenience store with two of her children, ages 9 and 6, when an altercation that began inside the store spilled into the parking lot and multiple rounds of gunfire erupted. Investigators said Martin was hit as she walked back toward her vehicle with the children.
What happened
The incident occurred just before midnight at the BP station near South Florissant and Woodstock roads. Police say a confrontation inside the store moved into the parking lot, and several shots were fired outside the business.
Authorities described Martin as an innocent bystander who was struck by gunfire. A second adult man was also shot and taken to a hospital in critical condition, the department said. No arrests have been announced.
Investigation details and police statement
The Ferguson Police Department is leading the probe and has released limited details as investigators work to identify a suspect or suspects. Officers walked the scene and collected evidence from the parking area and convenience store.
Police Chief Troy Doyle told local media that the children present were not physically harmed but are suffering emotional trauma. “She was here to purchase some soft drinks for her young kids,” Doyle said. “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.”
Investigators have not said whether the second adult was involved in the confrontation or whether he was an intended target. The department described the investigation as ongoing and urged the public to come forward with any footage or tips, including dash-cam, doorbell or surveillance video from the area around the time of the shooting.
Who was Shakeela Martin
Friends and family described Shakeela Martin as a devoted mother of five. Relatives organized a GoFundMe campaign that says Martin was preparing to move the family into a new home and that she did not have life insurance.
Those claims come from the fundraiser posted by family members and have not been independently verified by the Ferguson Police Department. The GoFundMe campaign requests donations to cover funeral and burial expenses and to help the immediate needs of Martin’s children; family members asked for privacy as they make arrangements.
Shakeela Martin’s family speaks out and community response
Two of Martin’s children, ages 9 and 6, were with her at the time of the shooting. Police said they were not physically injured but are being supported by relatives and community members as they cope with the trauma of witnessing the attack.
Neighbors, church groups and local organizers in Ferguson have begun coordinating support for the family. Community members expressed shock and sorrow at a violent incident in a busy commercial corridor and are sharing information about the family’s needs and the fundraiser organized by relatives.
An image published with local reporting shows the scene near South Florissant and Woodstock roads in Ferguson, Missouri.
How to help and provide tips
The Ferguson Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators at 314-522-3100. Tips also can be submitted to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS. Investigators specifically asked for any video footage from dash cams, doorbell cameras or nearby businesses.
Those who want to support the family financially can find the GoFundMe campaign posted by relatives; local reporting includes a link to the fundraiser. For the GoFundMe link and original coverage, see the Fox News report at: https://www.foxnews.com/us/missouri-mom-5-fatally-shot-buying-slushies-children-police-search-gunman.
Frequently asked questions
How can I help the family or donate to the GoFundMe?
Local reporting links to the family’s GoFundMe campaign; that link is included in the Fox News article cited below. Please verify the campaign organizer before donating.
How can I contact Ferguson police with tips about the shooting?
Contact the Ferguson Police Department at 314-522-3100 or submit tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.
Were the children physically harmed and what support is available?
Police said the two children present were not physically injured but are experiencing emotional trauma. Family members and community groups are coordinating support; police and local agencies can point people to resources.
Source attribution
Primary source: Ferguson Police Department.
Reporting and original coverage: Fox News — https://www.foxnews.com/us/missouri-mom-5-fatally-shot-buying-slushies-children-police-search-gunman
