RIVERDALE, Ill. (WGN) — A South Side mother of six was found dead in her Riverdale home last week, and now a suspect is in custody, charged with her murder.
Shaniqua Kinnard’s family says the grieving process has not been an easy journey, but they’re standing strong for the six children she left behind.
“There are so many people who loved ‘Niqua, who wanted different for her. Let her loss be a testament. You don’t have to go through this, and your family doesn’t have to go through this,” said Latasha Kinnard, Shaniqua’s sister.
According to police, the 30-year-old was found unresponsive Friday morning inside her home in the 13000 block of South Martin Luther King Drive. She had been fatally assaulted.
“She was the wild child, the spirited child. She loved to have fun, and she loved her family,” Latasha said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide, caused by multiple injuries from an assault.
“Let this be a testament to domestic violence and abuse,” said Treveyon Kinnard, Shaniqua’s brother. “If a man is putting his hands on you, that is not a caring and loving man. That is not a protective man. That is not a man who wants better for you, your future, and your kids.”
Shaniqua leaves behind six children, the youngest just nine months old and the oldest 13-year-old Amari Smith.
“I want people to know that my mom was very kind, and she loved all the people who supported her. She was very grateful,” Smith said.
Chicago police say 30-year-old Jarve Toms-Dixon has been charged with first-degree murder in the case. He is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing on Wednesday.
“This is a very hard time, and the only way I’m getting through it is with the love of friends, family and time,” Latasha said. “There is no amount of support that’s going to bring her back.”
The Kinnard’s have created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses and to support the care of Shaniqua’s children.
