‘Took three kids’ mother’: Boston Police now call South End woman’s death homicide

BOSTON — Boston Police are now confirming what Boston 25 News has been reporting about the mother of three young kids who was found dead in a luxury apartment building in the South End.

“We have reason to believe that Ms. Gillespie’s death is a homicide,” police said in an updated statement released Thursday morning. “Preliminary information indicates that this was not a random act and that residents of the building and members of the public are not in danger.”

The body of 30-year-old Shantel Gillespie was found inside a fifth-floor unit at The Harris South End at 390 Harrison Avenue on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Law enforcement sources previously told Boston 25 News that the case is being investigated as a homicide.

Boston 25 News also reported Gillespie’s identity and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her death after speaking with her sister.

She said Gillespie was trying to break free from a pattern of domestic violence and had just completed coursework for her nursing degree at Labouré College of Healthcare two days before she was murdered.

One of her neighbors said he just can’t wrap his mind around how someone could take a mother from three children under the age of six.

“She always walks her kids to school. She always comes out with her kids with book bags ready,” said neighbor Jamelle Davis. “You took three kids’ mother away.”

Investigators haven’t said if they are any closer to finding out who may have taken Shantel Gillespie’s life.

Homicide investigators are still awaiting an official cause and manner of death from the Medical Examiner’s Office.

“I’m thinking about her family right now especially around the holidays. It was really sad to see a mom just completing the nursing program,” said neighbor Victoria Izzo.

Gillespie immigrated to the United States from Jamaica a decade ago.

A GoFundMe to raise money to lay her to rest in her native country and support her children raised more than $41,000 as of Thursday evening.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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