JOLIET, IL — A week after the homicide of 23-year-old Joliet resident Taylor Guerra, family, friends and dozens of kind-hearted people have branded together, raising a staggering $37,279 toward the $100,000 GoFundMe fund-raiser called, “Help Taylor’s Kids.”
According to GoFundMe, “Taylor Guerra was taken off life support and passed away with her parents at her side. Without going into too many details due to pending legal reasons, she is a victim of domestic abuse. All funds donate will be going to Jerry and Lisa Guerra to help in the cost of raising Taylor’s 3 beautiful children.”
A former Oswego resident, Taylor Guerra is survived by her three young children: Manmane 4, Atreus 2, and Tyr, who was only 1 month old.
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Guerra, who lived in the 1000 block of Kelly Avenue on Joliet’s west side with Demetrius Glover, was found unconscious on June 3 by her family. They brought her to Silver Cross Hospital, where she later died.
As for Glover, he was retrieved by the Joliet Fire Department from the dirty waters of the Des Plaines River canal after running away from the Joliet police, authorities have said. So far, Glover has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery by Will County State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow.
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Glover’s charges indicate he struck Guerra on the head with an object and that he punched her about her body. Glover’s bail has been set at $2.5 million.
So far, a total of 344 donations have been made to the GoFundMe.
One $225 donor wrote: “Sending love and support from the Oswego High School Science Department.”
A $100 donor stated, “Give those beautiful kids a hug from us all! My heart and prayers go out to you.”
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A man who gave $100 wrote, “We’re grandparents of Cole Nelson who was in jiujitsu with Taylor. Your family is in our prayers.”
According to the GoFundMe’s organizers, “We met Taylor when she was a competitor in jiujitsu as a child. She was literally a ‘terror’ on the mats, winning tournaments all over the country. She has always been one of the sweetest people on and off the mats. “
If you want to donate, visit the GoFundMe for “Help Taylor’s Kids.”
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