Mother of Six Killed by Stray Bullet While Driving Home; Eldest Daughter Hears Her Final Words

A mother of six was tragically killed by a stray bullet while driving home in Gary, Indiana, late Friday.

Kia Tidwell, 42, was on the phone with her eldest daughter, Islynn Tidwell, when the shooting occurred, and her final words were heard over the call.

Kia Tidwell, 42, was shot and killed by a stray bullet while driving home on Friday. GoFundMe

“I just heard people shooting, and she cried, ‘Oh, Jesus!’” her grieving daughter recalled. Moments later, Tidwell’s car veered off the road and crashed into a tree. The call abruptly ended.

Tidwell, a grandmother to a 2-year-old, was driving past a McDonald’s when the gunfire erupted, even as police were responding to a disturbance at the location, according to ABC Chicago. She was struck in the head by a stray bullet while on her way home to Portage, where she had lived after moving from nearby Gary. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and the suspects fled on foot. Authorities are still searching for them.

Tidwell was a mother of six and a grandmother to one. Jordan Tidwell/Facebook

“She didn’t live here anymore, but she defended Gary tooth and nail,” her sister, Isley Tidwell, told reporters. “In the end, for her to be taken out by all the people she advocated for, it’s sad.”

Tidwell’s mother, Charlotte Tidwell, expressed her determination to seek justice for her daughter. “We’re going to take it as far as we can. It doesn’t stop here. We can’t allow it to stop here,” she vowed.

Isley, Kia Tidwell’s sister, said her sister always defended the city of Gary. FOX32 Chicago

Tidwell’s family shared how dedicated she was to her children and community. According to a GoFundMe campaign, she worked two jobs to support her family and was deeply involved in her children’s activities, often volunteering and cooking for sports teams. “Everyone knew her, the loudest mom at the boys’ games,” the campaign reads. “She always put forth 100% effort helping others, mentoring, and giving when she didn’t have to.”

Tidwell’s family is calling for justice in her death. Kia Tidwell/Facebook

Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon urged witnesses to come forward, calling the shooting a “senseless, terrible act.” Mayor Eddie Melton also expressed his condolences, stating, “Enough is enough.” He called on the community to unite to prevent such tragedies from happening again. “This is not just their loss. It’s the city of Gary’s loss,” he added.

As the investigation continues, Tidwell’s family remains committed to finding justice and ensuring her memory is honoured.