Theresa Spearman, a 46-year-old African American woman, was shot and killed on February 28, 2014, in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood while trying to intervene in a domestic dispute between her 25-year-old daughter and the daughter’s boyfriend. The boyfriend, identified as Frank E. Smith, reportedly became violent after the daughter returned an engagement ring. During the confrontation Smith struck Spearman in the head with a gun; Spearman hit him with a bottle. Smith then forced through a bedroom door where Spearman and her daughters had sought refuge and opened fire, striking both women. Spearman was shot in the stomach and upper back and died at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

Smith fled the scene and was later arrested in Indianapolis after making threatening calls to Spearman’s family. He was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder and held without bail. The case underscores the lethal risks when domestic violence escalates and the heavy toll on families and the community.

If anyone knew Theresa or has information about the events that night, please share what you know.