Family and friends gather to honor 28-year-old mother shot to death in Orland Park with balloon release

Jewell Hillery
·2 min read

ORLAND PARK, Ill. — A grieving family is uniting tonight to honor the life of 28-year-old Mechellea Williams, a mother of three found shot to death early Wednesday morning in Orland Park.

“She just loved kids,” said April Fenton, Williams’ aunt. “She just loved having fun, enjoying life like a 28-year-old should do — Enjoy living her life.”

Those close to the family told WGN News that loved ones gathered at Williams’ home near 119th Street and Michigan Avenue Thursday evening to release green, white and silver balloons in her honor.

Family also said that Williams was a mother who poured herself into her three children — ages ten, six and ten months old — while also still finding time to care for others.

Recently, Williams worked as a mail carrier out of the US Postal Office on Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago. Tuesday night, family members said they saw Williams leave her South Side home, but she never returned.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘They broke us:’ Family remembers slain Orland Park mother of 3

Shortly after midnight, her body was found shot inside of a car near 170th and Rosebud Lane in Orland Park.

Orland Park police said they believe the person who committed the crime left the area, but Williams’ family members said they don’t know why she was in Orland Park in the first place, and they’re hoping someone comes forward with answers.

“We’re seeking support from anybody that knows any information to come forward,” said Letitia Johnson, another aunt to Williams. “Provide that information so that we can help solve this.”

Williams’ family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her funeral and support her three children. Those interested in donating can find it by clicking here.

If you or someone you know has information that can help lead police toward making an arrest and conviction in the investigation of this incident, tips can be filed online with the Orland Park Police Department by clicking here.

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