FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL — Two women have been formally charged in connection with the death of 18-year-old Mackenzi Felmlee, whose tragic case has uncovered what authorities describe as prolonged and severe abuse at the hands of her foster caregivers. The developments have drawn public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the Illinois foster care system.
The investigation began in the early morning hours of May 11, 2024, when officers from the Fairview Heights Police Department were called to a residence in the 6 block of Patricia Drive following a report of an unresponsive female. When officers arrived at approximately 2:45 a.m., they found Mackenzi Felmlee lying at the bottom of a staircase.
Present in the home at the time were her foster mother, 46-year-old Shameka S. Williams, and her foster grandmother, 64-year-old Cornelia M. Reid. Felmlee was transported to Belleville Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
However, investigators quickly determined that her injuries were not consistent with an accidental fall. According to police, Felmlee’s body exhibited clear signs of trauma, including bruising and wounds in various stages of healing. These findings immediately raised red flags and prompted a deeper investigation.
Disturbing Evidence of Abuse
Detectives executed a search warrant at the residence and uncovered what they describe as “extensive” photographic and video documentation of ongoing abuse. The evidence allegedly shows Felmlee being subjected to repeated physical assaults, emotional torment, and severe neglect.
“This was not a single incident or an accident,” said Fairview Heights Police Chief Christopher Locke. “This was a sustained pattern of abuse and cruelty, and it is deeply disturbing to all of us who reviewed the evidence.”
Felmlee, despite being 18 at the time of her death, was still a ward of the state of Illinois. She had been placed in Williams’ foster care in April 2020, and had continued to live in the home under the supervision of both women.
According to officials, her status as a state ward meant that she remained under the guardianship of Illinois child welfare agencies, even as an adult, due to special circumstances related to her care and needs.
Charges Filed
On June 20, 2025, after more than a year of investigation, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against both women.
Shameka S. Williams faces a range of felony charges, including:
- First-Degree Murder
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Aggravated Domestic Battery
- Aggravated Battery to a Ward of the State
- Intimidation
- Unlawful Restraint
Cornelia M. Reid is charged with:
- Aggravated Domestic Battery
- Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder
- Neglect of a Dependent Adult
- Unlawful Restraint
Both defendants are currently being held without bond at the St. Clair County Jail. Prosecutors have indicated that additional charges may follow as the case proceeds.
Community Outrage and Systemic Concerns
The charges have sparked anger and heartbreak across the region, especially among those who knew Mackenzi and within the foster care advocacy community. Vigils and memorials have been organized in her memory, and calls for reform are growing louder.
“We failed her as a system,” said Maria Castillo of the Illinois Foster Youth Coalition. “How was this allowed to continue, and where were the safeguards that should have protected her?”
Friends and former classmates of Felmlee described her as quiet, kind, and artistic — a young woman who had endured much but still dreamed of a better future. Teachers from her former high school recalled her love for animals and her gentle spirit.
“She had a warmth about her, even when she seemed sad,” one former teacher said. “She was someone you wanted to see succeed.”
State Response
In response to the public backlash, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) issued a brief statement expressing condolences and promising cooperation with the ongoing investigation. State legislators have also called for hearings to examine the oversight provided to foster placements, particularly those involving older youth and individuals with extended care plans.
Representative Lauren Matthews (D-Belleville) called the case “a devastating reminder of how fragile the safety net can be,” adding, “We must get to the bottom of how this happened — and ensure it never happens again.”
The Road Ahead
A preliminary hearing for Williams and Reid is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, prosecutors, law enforcement, and advocacy groups remain focused on building the case — and honoring the memory of a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Fairview Heights Police Department.
As the community searches for answers, one thing is clear: the life of Mackenzi Felmlee mattered, and the pursuit of justice in her name has only just begun.