Elizabeth Lizzy Beasley was 19 when she was found dead at her home on Linden Road in Rockford on May 7, 2024, the result of a fatal gunshot wound. She graduated Auburn High School in 2022 and had been active in volleyball and cross-country; family described her as warm and radiant. Lizzy is survived by her young daughter Di Amanni, her parents Al and Juanita (Uecker) Beasley, siblings Michael, Joey, Maleah, Paris, and Ebony, and other relatives and friends.

Douglas Bell, 20, was arrested May 8 and charged with first-degree murder. Bell, identified as the child’s father, was at the scene and made the initial 911 call, saying Lizzy had shot herself after an argument. Investigators noted fresh bruising on her neck and arm, a detail that contributed to his arrest.

A visitation and funeral were held May 23 at The Park Church in Rockford, and a GoFundMe was created to help with funeral costs. If anyone knew Lizzy or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.