Racine murder-suicide; 3-year-old ran to neighbor for help
RACINE, Wis. - A Racine mother worked three jobs and did anything for her son. Cassandra Sims was also a victim of domestic violence, shot and killed by her boyfriend who then took his own life. Sims' 3-year-old son was in the house at the time.
"She is going to be missed," said Jerelle Williams, father of now-4-year-old Royal. "He is definitely going to miss her."
Royal
In the time of tragedy, Williams said Wednesday, Aug. 16 his son, Royal, is his focus.
"I’m going to smile for him today," said Williams.
Royal celebrated his birthday decked out as a Ninja Turtle, the first birthday without his mom, Cassandra Sims, 29.
"We, even a week later, all we can do is get him through it," said Tori Bender, Sims' sister.
On Aug. 11, police said Sims' boyfriend, Deandre Martin, 30, shot and killed her before taking her own life. Royal was in the house at the time, and he ran to a neighbor's for help.
Cassandra Sims
"There’s signs, but we never see them from the outside," said Williams. "It can be silent cries for help, and we don’t realize it until a mother leaves a child. It’s heartbreaking to repeat what he said, but he seen that. It’s something he can never get rid of it."
Police said so far in 2023, three people have been killed as a result of domestic violence. In 2022, there was one death.
"It’s horrific on any human conscious," said Interim Police Chief Alex Ramirez. "How could it get to this point?"
Racine muder-suicide near Drexel Avenue and Gillen Street (Photo courtesy: Brian Bruce)
"It’s heartbreaking because it doesn’t need to happen," said Jori Chambers, Racine Women's Resource Center.
At the Racine Women's Resource Center, they work to help victims of domestic violence.
"There's services here like us to get people out of that situation and keep them safe," said Chambers.
Cassandra Sims
Sims' family had a message for others impacted by domestic violence.
"Most importantly, don’t sit in silence," said Bender. "Cassandra sat in silence."
Sims' family has set up a GoFundMe.com account to raise money for funeral arrangements.
Racine muder-suicide
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If you or a loved one are in an abusive relationship there are resources to help. You are not alone. The Women’s Resource Center of Racine can be contacted at 262-633-3233 and the National Domestic Abuse Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. The Racine Police Department can be contacted at 262-886-2300 or by calling 9-1-1.