A Wisconsin daycare owner was shot and killed by her boyfriend in a murder-suicide, according to police reports.
Deandre Martin, 30, took the life of Cassandra Sims, 29, before ending his own life. This was not the first time Sims had experienced domestic violence, according to family members.
The incident occurred on August 11 in the couple’s Racine home. At the time of the event, Sims’ four-year-old son, Royal, was in the house. The young boy ran to a neighbor for help.
Royal’s father, Jerelle Williams, shared his emotions with a local news outlet, saying his son is “definitely going to miss her.”
On August 16, just days after the incident, Royal celebrated his fourth birthday – his first without his mother. Dressed as a Ninja Turtle, Royal was supported by his father, who expressed a commitment to remaining positive for his son. “I’m going to smile for him today,” Williams said.
Sims’ mother, Pearlie Hallom, has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her daughter’s funeral.
The page describes Sims as a loving mother and daycare owner who had a positive influence on the community.
The page also draws attention to the void left by Sims’ passing. “Cassandra left behind a 3-year-old son that she loved dearly,” the page reads in part.
