Family members say Massachusetts mother of three young children murdered days before college graduation

Loved ones are remembering a Massachusetts mother who family members say was killed on her way to bettering her life for her family.

At just before 7:00 a.m., on Thursday, officers assigned to District D-4 (South End) responded to 390 Harrison Avenue in Boston to check on the well-being of an individual. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult inside the building.

According to her sister and a GoFundMe fundraiser, Shantel Gillespie was found murdered in her apartment 2 days after finishing her nursing degree. She left behind 3 beautiful children all under the age of 6.

Her sister released a touching tribute through the fundraiser.

“Shantel was a beautiful soul and was loved by all. She grew up in Mandeville Jamaica and immigrated to the US in 2014. She dedicated the last 5 years of her life to Boston Children’s Hospital as a Clinical Assistant where she cared for patients and families and came home to do the very same for her own. My sister had 1 goal in life: to make a better life for herself so her children would grow up wanting of nothing. From long work hours to classes and clinical, to coming home to nurture 3 children. Over all the years she worked tirelessly to have a successful future while battling to break the cycle of domestic violence.

“This week she completed all coursework and was set to graduate from Laboure College of Healthcare this month with her Degree in Nursing. We cried tears of joy together celebrating a victory well deserved. Today we cry together but tears of sorrow at such a tragedy. She never received her degree, she never walked the stage, she never got to tell her children goodbye. She worked so hard for a future that was ripped away too soon.”

The Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit ay 617-343-4470.