Family remembers Englewood High School senior shot dead

CHICAGO — The family of a Southside high school student is asking for answers after she was shot and killed earlier this month.

Family members of DeShawna Yoakum, 18, said she fought for her life for 10 days after she was shot and killed March 1 near 45th and South Drexel.

“She didn’t deserve this,” said Artames Prewitt, Yoakum’s mother. “My child was full of spirit. She wasn’t mean, she wasn’t mean. She was not.”

Prewitt was supposed to be helping her daughter get ready for prom and prom, but instead she’s now planning a funeral.

She said the family still has no answers or justice.

“Just say it, just say it,” Prewitt said. “Anonymous tip, I don’t care. Just stand up for my child.’

Not only did Yoakum struggle for days in the hospital, but she turned 18 while she was there. It was a milestone they celebrated, but one that was to look very different for the Englewood High School senior.

Prewitt wants people to remember her daughter as a loving young woman who was full of life and loved helping others.

“She lit up the room,” Prewitt said, “She lit up.”

Her family says she loved to cheer and was a majorette dancer who performed in the Bud Billiken Parade for more than six years.

“My child was devoted to them,” Prewitt said. “She loved them, she danced, she danced in the parade.”

Not too long ago, her mom said they were dancing and looking forward to their birthdays happening around the same time.

“I didn’t know it was going to be my last dance,” Prewitt said. “It was my last dance. You killed my child.’