'She didn't deserve this at all': Family of woman found fatally shot in car in Joliet pleads for answers
JOLIET, Ill. - There was a tragic scene in Joliet early Sunday.
Maya Smith, 24, was found shot and killed inside a car with her toddler daughter, unharmed, in the back seat.
"Maya was so beautiful, Maya was a person who loved people, she didn’t deserve this at all," said Bonnie Winfrey, the victim’s aunt.
It’s not clear when the shooting took place, but Smith was found just after midnight Sunday morning.
That’s when neighbors called in a parking complaint in an alley near Clement Street and Ingalls Avenue.
When officers arrived, they found Smith with multiple gunshot wounds in the front driver’s seat of her car.
Her daughter was rushed to a nearby hospital and is now in the care of family.
"I’m glad to say that she’s healthy and thriving and doing well," said Winfrey.
SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 32 ON YOUTUBE
The motive is still unclear, and no suspect is currently in custody.
The family is hoping the shooter turns themselves in.
"I’m hoping that police will get to him before then where he won’t be able to hurt anybody else," said Winfrey.
Smith was working at a bank and going to nursing school.
Her family told FOX 32 they had just celebrated Christmas together, and they are now so thankful for that time.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
If you know anything about this crime, you are asked to reach out to Joliet Police at 815-724-3020.