Chicago Woman Fatally Shot in South Loop Identified as Romeca Meeks; Suspect in Custody

Chicago, IL — Tragedy struck the South Loop Monday morning when 31-year-old Romeca Meeks was fatally shot during a violent altercation near Cermak Road and State Street.

According to the Chicago Police Department (CPD), officers responded to multiple 911 calls around 9:35 a.m. on September 8, 2025. When they arrived, they found Meeks lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds to her chin and thigh. She was rushed to Stroger Hospital but later pronounced dead.

Police identified the alleged shooter as Holly Johnson, who remains in custody. Investigators say the confrontation began as a physical altercation between Meeks and Johnson. Johnson, who allegedly claimed to hold a valid concealed carry license, is accused of pulling out a firearm and shooting Meeks multiple times at close range.

Family members revealed that Meeks had just dropped off her young son at school and was headed to work at the time of the shooting. Witnesses at the scene alleged that Meeks’ child’s father, Carlos “Losos” Way, who is reportedly under a restraining order, was present and placed Meeks in a headlock during the altercation. In those moments, Johnson allegedly drew her weapon and fired the fatal shots.

Johnson remained on scene after the shooting, and police recovered her firearm. Area Three detectives are continuing the investigation to determine the exact sequence of events.

Meeks’ family has urged the public to respect their privacy and called for graphic videos of the incident circulating online to be removed out of respect for her memory.