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Romeca Blackmon murder: Woman accused in South Loop killing returns to court

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Published  April 1, 2026 7:15am CDT
South Loop
FOX 32 Chicago

The Brief

    • A woman charged with murdering a mother in Chicago’s South Loop is due back in court.
    • Quadajah Johnson claims she acted in self-defense, citing alleged threats and an order of protection.

CHICAGO - The woman accused of murdering a mother in Chicago’s South Loop last September returned to court today.

The backstory:

Quadajah "Holly" Johnson has been charged with first-degree murder and five additional counts in the shooting death of 31-year-old Romeca Blackmon.

Prosecutors say Johnson shot Blackmon on Sept. 8th, 2025, shortly after Blackmon dropped her son off at school near Cermak Road at State Street.

Johnson, who was licensed to carry a gun, said she feared for her life and acted in self-defense.

Johnson’s attorneys claim Blackmon threatened Johnson through calls, texts, and family members added that Blackmon allegedly told Johnson’s grandmother that she intended to kill her. The defense also argued in court that Johnson was pregnant at the time and had obtained an order of protection before the incident.

Quadajah "Holly" Johnson and Romeca Blackmon

Johnson’s attorneys have been fighting for her release under home confinement or electronic monitoring, a request that has already been denied once by a judge.

Her attorneys cite evidence they say contradicts the state’s version of events, including 911 calls and surveillance video.

The hearing started around 9:30 a.m. at the Cook County Courthouse.

**Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated a judge would determine today whether Johnson would be released from custody ahead of her trial. Today's court appearance was for a discovery hearing.

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