Holly Matthews, 22, of Joliet, Illinois, was fatally shot at about 12:40 a.m. on October 31, 2021, while attending a Halloween backyard party on the city’s east side. Roughly 200 people were at the event when multiple shots were fired into the crowd; Holly was one of two people killed and about a dozen others were wounded. The other deceased victim was Jonathan Ceballos, also 22. Holly did not know Ceballos or the people who carried out the shooting.

Three suspects were arrested: Joskar Ramos, 18, Jeremy Lopez, 19, and Thomas Lopez, 21. They were charged with multiple counts including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and weapons offenses. Authorities described the Lopez brothers as known members of the Vice Lord street gang and characterized the attack as gang-related; investigators say the suspects fired indiscriminately into the crowd. Bail for each suspect was set at $10 million and the prosecutor has sought life sentences without parole if convicted.

Holly had recently become engaged and was studying to be an arborist at Joliet Junior College. Family and friends remembered her for humor, kindness, a love of nature, travel, off-roading, ballet, horseback riding, and soccer. Does anyone who knew Holly or who was at the party have details that could help clarify what happened that night?