Crime
Suspect who killed Romeca Meeks identified as Holly Johnson
CHICAGO — A woman fatally shot Monday morning in the South Loop has been identified as 31-year-old Romeca Meeks, while police have identified the alleged shooter as Holly Johnson, who remains in custody.
According to the Chicago Police Department (CPD), officers responded around 9:35 a.m. on September 8, 2025, to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near Cermak Road and State Street.
When officers arrived, they found Meeks lying in the street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to her chin and thigh.
She was transported to Stroger Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators said the shooting followed a physical altercation between Meeks and Johnson, who allegedly claimed to possess a valid concealed carry license.
During the dispute, Johnson is accused of pulling out a firearm and shooting Meeks multiple times.
Police said Johnson remained at the scene, where her weapon was recovered, and she was immediately taken into custody.
Family members shared that Meeks had just dropped off her young son at school and was on her way to work at the time of the incident.
Witnesses also alleged that Meeks’ child’s father, Carlos “Losos” Way—who is reportedly subject to an active restraining order—was present during the altercation and placed Meeks in a headlock.
In those moments, Johnson allegedly drew her firearm and fatally shot Meeks at close range.
“Her cousin spoke with Channel2 NOW, stating: ‘This is my cousin, and what’s being reported is not accurate. He was physically fighting my cousin when his girlfriend got out of the car and shot her. This was not an act of self-defense, and Romeca was not fighting over him.’”
The Chicago Police Department confirmed that Area Three Detectives are handling the investigation.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the exact circumstances leading up to the altercation.
Meeks’ family has asked the public to respect their privacy and to refrain from sharing graphic videos of the incident that have circulated online.
Her sister issued a public plea for such footage to be removed out of respect for the victim and her loved ones.
Anyone with information about this homicide is urged to contact the CPD 1st District at (312) 745-4290 or submit tips anonymously at CPDTIP.com.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.