Young Mom Is Deadly Shot in head While Picking Up Son from Babysitter

Beverly Lambert was shot and killed in Morris, Ill. on Aug. 4

A young mother from Illinois was fatally shot twice in the back of the head on August 4 in Morris while picking up her one-year-old boy from a babysitter.

Beverly Lambert, the 25-year-old victim, has been named. The accused allegedly stole her car after killing the victim before leaving the scene.

According to Grundy County State’s Attorney Jason Helland, a 16-year-old was detained that evening and charged with six counts of first-degree murder in connection with Lambert’s passing.

The teen, Cortez Rice, who has a criminal record and is currently facing adult charges, was identified.

Helland claimed during the press conference that Rice had allegedly been in the shooting area earlier in the day looking for rides but had been told to leave by a resident.

It is unknown if Rice had requested a ride from Lambert before the shooting. According to Helland, authorities have not found any suspicious links between Lambert and Rice.

“The shock value of something happening to a 25-year-old woman in Grundy County is that it not only impacts the victim’s family, but it also impacts the entire community,” Helland said.

After news of Lambert’s death spread, an outpouring of love began on social media. Jeanette Butler, who identified herself as a cousin of Lambert’s, posted a tribute on Facebook calling Lambert “the sweetest thing” who would “give you the shirt off her back and do good even when nobody is looking.”

According to ABC7, Lambert graduated with a degree in supply chain management from Tennessee State University in 2019.

“She was always focused on advancing herself and now that she has a son, she wanted a better life for him,” Myriah Weatherspoon, a close friend of Lambert’s, told NBC Chicago.

For the sake of Lambert’s family and her little son, GoFundMe has been established.

The investigation is still being conducted. On August 18, Rice, who is being held under a $5 million bond, is scheduled to appear in court. It is unknown if he has hired a lawyer.