A Chicago teacher, Tanisha Weeks, was tragically shot and killed by her ex-partner, Timothy Gibbs, in a murder-suicide that occurred in front of her 7-year-old daughter. The incident took place early on Thursday morning at a home on West Grenshaw Street in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Police found both Weeks, 41, and Gibbs, 35, with gunshot wounds to their heads. They were rushed to the hospital, but both were later pronounced dead.
Weeks had an active protection order against Gibbs at the time of the shooting. She had filed for an order of protection after years of abuse during their relationship. The protection order was granted in late November, and a judge had issued a longer, two-year order just before the shooting. The abuse Weeks suffered included physical, emotional, and sexual violence. In her petition for protection, Weeks described incidents where Gibbs threatened her life and used a gun to intimidate her. One terrifying encounter happened just days after their breakup when Gibbs pointed a gun at her, strangled her, and threatened to kill her.
Weeks worked as a teacher at a local charter school, and her 7-year-old daughter witnessed the shooting. The child told police that Gibbs shot her mother before turning the gun on himself. Court records show that Gibbs had a criminal history and was barred from owning firearms due to a prior felony conviction. However, he still managed to keep a gun, which violated the protection order and the law.
Gibbs had been arrested shortly after the protection order was issued because he failed to register as a violent offender, but he was released the same day. The protection order required him to stay at least 100 feet away from Weeks and to surrender any firearms, but Gibbs did not comply with these rules.
This tragic event highlights the danger faced by many victims of domestic violence, even after they take legal steps to protect themselves. Weeks’ daughter will have to live with the trauma of witnessing such a violent act, and her mother’s death is a reminder of the urgent need to address domestic abuse and enforce laws designed to protect victims.
