BOSTON — Family members of a woman found dead in a luxury apartment building in Boston’s South End say she was a mother of three who had just completed coursework for her nursing degree two days prior.
Her sister is identifying the woman discovered by police in a fifth-floor unit at “The Harris South End” last Thursday night as Shantel Gillespie.
She told Boston 25 News she believes Gillespie was murdered and said family members are still waiting for answers from investigators.
She said her sister was a mother of three young children, under the age of six, and was trying to escape a pattern of domestic violence.
A GoFundMe set up to help lay Gillespie to rest in her native Jamaica and support her three kids raised more than $20,000 just 24 hours after it was set up.
“My sister had 1 goal in life: to make a better life for herself so her children would grow up wanting of nothing,” it said. “Over all the years she worked tirelessly to have a successful future while battling to break the cycle of domestic violence.”
Gillespie was set to receive her associate degree in nursing from Labouré College of Healthcare in Milton in the coming weeks.
The picture featured on the GoFundMe fundraiser shows her at a ceremony in Quincy last year after receiving a scholarship award.
“The Labouré community is deeply saddened by the loss of Shantel. Last week, she was completing the requirements to earn her nursing degree and was looking forward to her Pinning in January,” said Lily S. Hsu, Ed.D., President of Labouré College of Healthcare. “We are devastated by the loss of this promising future nurse.”
Gillespie immigrated to the United States from Jamaica in 2014 and spent the last five years working as a clinical assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital.
“Shantel Gillespie was a valued member of our hospital family, known for her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the care of our patients. Her sudden passing is a tremendous loss to our organization, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family,” said a statement from Boston Children’s Hospital.
Gillespie’s sister said she is determined to get justice in the case and wants to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence.
Law enforcement sources told Boston 25 News that the case is being investigated as a homicide.
No persons of interest had been identified as of Tuesday night, and autopsy results had not yet been completed.
If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, there are resources available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers assistance and safety planning 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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