LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – Family and friends of a Western Kentucky University
student returned to the scene of her murder on Saturday, one week after she was
shot to death while home on Thanksgiving break.
Cheryl Williamson, 24, was killed at The Gillespie, an 83-year-old venue for
parties and receptions at 421 W. Market Street in downtown Louisville, on
November 24. Williamson was celebrating with friends at a party sponsored by
Dream Team Entertainment before she was shot.
One week later, police said there were still no leads in Williamson's
murder.
"It's been devastating," said Williamson's father, James Slaughter. "The
only way I made it through was by the grace of God."
About 1,000 people attended the party. As Williamson was leaving, it is
believed she got into a fight with one or two men. Police believe one of them
pulled out a gun and shot the WKU senior. Friends said she was a young woman
who was driven to succeed.
"She's very kind hearted, open-minded, just a beautiful person inside
and out," said Williamson's friend Ericka Jackson.
Even during this extremely emotional time, Williamson's father can't help
but smile when he thinks of his daughter.
"She was a sweet young lady, she really was," said Slaughter.
"She put a smile on your face. She put plenty of joy in my heart."
This case has been difficult, according to Louisville Metro Police Lead
Detective Anthony Wilder, because people in the know are staying tight-lipped
about what happened.
"As long as people keep quiet about this type of activity and these
type of acts, in my mind, they are condoning this type of behavior," said
Wilder.
As for Slaughter, he just hopes the person responsible will come forward to
help the victim's family heal.
"We are not about revenge or nothing like that. I just want whoever is
responsible for taking my daughter from me to pay," said Slaughter.
A march in Williamson's honor will be held on Sunday afternoon beginning at
3:30. It will begin at Floyd and Market Streets and end seven blocks away where
the murder took place.
Anyone with information that could help police solve this crime should call
the Louisville Metro Police anonymous tip line at 502-574-LMPD.
Copyright 2012 WAVE News. All rights reserved.
Cheryl Williamson (Source: Family photo)
Friends and family members mourned Williamson at a candlelight vigil.
Williamson's father, James Slaughter, said his daughter put joy in his heart.
A large crowd gathered outside The Gillespie, where Williamson was murdered.
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