© 2024 NPR Illinois
The Capital's Community & News Service
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Walk To Honor Murdered Woman Will Benefit Sojourn Shelter

courtesy
Tamy Gomes Vasquez / event flyer

This Saturday in Springfield is a walk that will raise money for the Sojourn Shelter in Springfield, which could be forced to close because of the state's budget impasse. The walk will commemorate the life of Tamy Gomes Vasquez. She was murdered two years ago by her boyfriend.

He had strangled her and fled in her car to Mississippi. He later pled guilty. Earlier this spring he was sentenced by a Sangamon County judge to 30 years in prison. Tamy's mother, Zileidi Giddings, and her friend, Emily Martinie, joined Illinois Edition to talk about what happened to Tamy and why they want to help prevent other woman from facing domestic violence, while urging those who are victims to speak up and get help. 

The walk takes place at Southwind Parkin Springfield on Saturday at 10am. Registration begins at 8am. There will be entertainment and a silent auction to follow.

Rachel Otwell of the Illinois Times is a former NPR Illinois reporter.
Related Stories