Crime & Safety
Slain Burlington County Woman Was 'Phenomenal' Mother, Family Says
A fundraiser started Tuesday for Stephanie Vil's children: one is 10 years old, and the other three months old, her family said.
BURLINGTON, NJ — Family members are raising money to support the two young children of a Burlington woman shot dead earlier this week.
Officials in Mercer County said 34-year-old Stephanie Vil was shot and killed Sunday morning in Trenton, just after 9 a.m. Her aunt started a GoFundMe for her children, 10-year-old Ja'lil and three-month-old Ja'lani, on Tuesday.
"Our hearts are forever broken into pieces," Tanisha Hill wrote on the GoFundMe page, describing her niece as "a PHENOMENAL mother."
Find out what's happening in Moorestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police have charged a Burlington man with murder in Vil's death. Her body was found in the street near a heavily damaged vehicle, according to an NJ Advance Media report. Officials have not released a motive in the shooting. More coverage — Murder Charge For Man In Burlington County Woman's Shooting Death
The fundraiser for her children has raised about $7,400 as of 2:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Find out what's happening in Moorestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hill said that Ta'lil walked over to pick up his baby sister as he was processing the devastating news.
"As we all tried to reassure him we had them both, his only thought was to reassure Ja’lani that he had her," Hill wrote, adding this gesture was proof of "how much love Steph poured into her babies."
She said the family was appreciative of peoples' affection, support, and offers to help Ta'lil and Ja'lani.
The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office has charged 38-year-old Jamar Leonard with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and certain persons not to possess a weapon in connection with Vil's death.The prosecutor’s office filed a motion to detain Leonard ahead of trial, officials said.
The investigation is ongoing. Officials ask anyone with information to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
