Johanna P. Cowart-Williams, a 42-year-old African American woman, was killed in Urbana, Illinois, on August 3, 2021. Officers responded to a reported shooting about 1:30 a.m. at her West Church Street home and found her unconscious; CPR was attempted but she was later pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital. An autopsy ruled the cause of death multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators say three men approached the house on foot and fired numerous rounds through windows and walls on the west side of the residence. More than 60 bullet holes were found. Three other people were wounded: a 21-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and reported no sensation in her lower extremities, while two others had less severe injuries. The Urbana Police Department and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators are working the case and coordinating with other local agencies because authorities believe this incident may be linked to other recent shootings and murders in the Champaign-Urbana area. No arrests have been announced.

If anyone has information about the attack or the suspects, please share what is known with investigators.