TSR Investigates
A routine school drop-off in September turned into a deadly confrontation that has Chicagoand the internetdeeply divided. This week, The Shade Room’s Justin Carter breaks down the timeline, witness statements, court records, and the unanswered questions about the shooting of Romca Meeks-Blackmon at the hands of Quadajah Johnson.
On September 8, Romca Meeks-Blackmon was dropping off her six-year-old son at school in the South Loop of Chicago. According to Justin Carter, Romca was unaware that her child’s dad, and his new girlfriend, Quadajah Johnson, were in the area for an “unrelated” reason. Her son’s father, Carlos Smith Sr., had parked nearby to switch cars with Johnson. The women ended up crossing paths, and a verbal and physical altercation ensued. At some point, Quadajah allegedly pulled out a gun, and shot Romca in the face with onlookers nearby.
Videos obtained by TSRI show that it was a chaotic scene right after as first responders rushed to the scene and carried the unresponsive victim off to Stroger Hospital. However, once there, medical professional declared her dead.
Later, a photo Romca posted on her Instagram Stories that morning went viral. She had written a sweet note to her six-year-old son, Carlos Jr., and included it with his lunch. Now, it’s one of the child’s last memory of his mom.
“Happy Monday, son, today is the first start to this and you can start off strong, the note read. Always remain yourself. You’re the coolest, smartest and funniest kid I know. I love you so much and you make me so proud. Have a great day. Mommy loves you.”
Prosecutors are now pursing a case against Quadajah Johnson. Court records have given additional insight into what happened that day. Johnson’s infant, whom she shares with Carlos Sr., was in the backseat during the car exchange. The confrontation with Romca Meeks-Blackmon started verbal, but according to a witness driving by, Quadajah advanced toward her while she stood stationary. A witness at the bus stop said they saw Carlos swinging a car door on Romca, attempting to close her car’s door on her. When Quadajah approached, Romca exited the car and Carlos put Romca in a chokehold. When she broke free, Quadajah retrieved a gun from the car, walked toward Romca and fired the gun multiple times. Johnson allegedly paused after the first shot, per witnesses, before firing again.
For three months after the shooting, Quadajah Johnson was walking free, claiming self-defense both on the scene and to police. According to Justin Carter, Quadajah was granted a no-contact order against Romca for allegedly making threats against Johnson and her family. At that point, the women had never met. However, Romca was never served with the order.
On December 3, Chicago police finally found probable cause in the case. Prosecutors charged 31-year-old Quadajah with first-degree murder. After Johnson’s first court appearance, Carlos Sr. spoke to local reporters about how prosecutors explained the fatal incident.
“…it was unbelievable, but I was there and I know for a fact none of that happened how they explained it. But my truth will get out, out here, and I hope everybody understand.”
A judge has denied Quadajah Johnson’s request for bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 23.
