Sheena Malone was 28 when she was fatally shot on May 30, 2017, in the 1900 block of South First Street in Springfield, Illinois. She was pregnant at the time; emergency NICU care at HSHS St. John’s Hospital delivered her son Shemir by emergency C-section. He was born at about 23 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 8 ounces and measuring 12 inches, and continues to suffer physical effects from his extreme prematurity.

Derrick D. Hayes was arrested June 16, 2017, and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm in connection with Malone’s death. Prosecutors said Sheena was not the intended target and that the shooting was not believed to be gang-related. Hayes was found guilty in February 2021 and later sentenced to 55 years in prison. Family members remembered Sheena as sweet and good-hearted and say they have forgiven Hayes.

If anyone knew Sheena or has information about the incident, please share what you can.