WAUKEGA, IL — Jacksonville native, Marcellis Stinnette, 19, was shot and killed by a Waukegan, IL police officer six days ago.
Stinnette and his girlfriend, Tafara Williams, 20, were in the car together at the time of the shooting. Williams was injured and survived. In the days after the shooting, investigators said the officer used his gun as the car reversed toward him.
On Friday, the police department announced the firing of the officer who shot into the car.
Tonight, Williams' mother, Clifftina Johnson speaks to Action News Jax.
STORY: Family of teen from Jacksonville killed by police in Illinois speaks
“I was relieved,” said Johnson. “I was like, ‘yes!’ But that’s only a quarter of it! Now we need to get over the top. He needs to be charged!”
Johnson discussed her daughter’s health as she recovers from her injuries.
“Her health is on and off. One day she’s good, one day she’s bad,” said Johnson. “They’re giving her blood, every two days they check it. Last time I talked with her on the phone, the nurse was like, ‘You need a pint of blood, you’re losing blood,’ and they don’t know where the blood is being lost from.”
Johnson says she’s pushing for the officer to be charged.
“He murdered, he murdered, he murdered, he murdered a child! He shot my baby like she wasn’t nothing! Marcellis too,” said Johnson.
Waukegan Mayor, Sam Cunningham, released a statement on Sunday, addressing the release of video in the case.
“… After a determination is made that the release of the relevant videos will not prejudice or adversely impact the integrity of the ongoing state and federal investigations, the City of Waukegan intends to release these recordings to the public at large, after the families are first able to view them,” said Cunningham.
“I won’t shut up! I will get justice! For Marcellis Stinnette and Tafara Williams. And Marcellis Stinnette Jr. I will get justice. I will not shut up until I get it,” said Johnson.
Cox Media Group
