2-Year-Old Found Inside Car With Dead Woman Who Had Multiple Gunshot Wounds

A 2-year-old girl was found in the backseat of a parked car in Joliet, Illinois, with a dead woman in the front seat Sunday. The woman had multiple gunshot wounds but the child was unharmed.

Officers from the Joliet Police Department found the woman's body while responding to a report about a parking complaint early Sunday morning. The vehicle was located in an alley with the dead woman in the front seat and the toddler in the backseat, WGN TV reported.

"Upon arrival, Officers located a deceased 24-year-old female in the front seat of the vehicle who appeared to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds," the police department said in a statement. "A female 2-year-old child was located unharmed in the backseat of the vehicle."

"Detectives and evidence technicians were called to the scene and an investigative canvas of the area was completed. A representative from the Will County Coroner's Office responded to the scene and pronounced the adult female deceased," it added.

The child did not suffer any harm but was taken to the hospital for a precautionary medical evaluation. The girl was later released and placed in the custody of family members.

The woman was later identified as Maya A. Smith, of Joliet, according to Patch.

The department said its detectives were trying to identify the suspect or suspects involved in the woman's death.

"If anyone has information related to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigation Unit at 815-724-3020. They can also contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or online at https://crimestoppersofwillcounty.org/ if they wish to remain anonymous," police added.

A similar incident was reported last October after a 15-year-old girl was found shot dead inside a car in Cleveland, Ohio. The body was found after a 911 caller found a suspicious vehicle parked in a field with its engine running and its windshield wipers on. Officers found the girl, identified as Jaiden Rentas, inside the car with a gunshot wound. A 16-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the shooting.