BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WLS) — Friends and family are remembering 19-year-old Giana Dettloff as a young woman whose positivity, kindness and dedication to others left a lasting impact on her community.
Dettloff was visiting one of her best friends in Bloomington over the weekend when she was killed in a mass shooting Sunday at a Halloween party near Illinois Wesleyan University. Eight other people were injured.
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Bloomington police and city officials provided an update Monday. Police Chief Jamal Simington said he had personally patrolled the area before the shooting and observed no signs of trouble, describing the gathering as “noticeably peaceful, jovial,” with “no disturbances witnessed or reported prior to the shooting.”
He added, “There was no indication or warning that a shooting would occur.”
Police said between 150 and 200 people were gathered in a shared backyard between houses when the shooting occurred. According to officials, an officer nearby heard about 10 gunshots at approximately 1:20 a.m. and arrived within a minute to find multiple people wounded.
“Immediately after the shooting occurred, everybody fled,” said Bryce Janssen, public information officer for the Bloomington Police Department. “Everybody that was able to flee took off and ran.”
Officials said the number of shooting victims has grown to nine. Dettloff was killed, while eight others were injured, including another recent Glenbard North graduate.
Simington said he spent more than an hour with Dettloff’s parents Sunday morning.
“According to her parents, she was their only daughter,” Simington said. “She was described as a full of life, a sweet girl with a very bright future.”
Those closest to Dettloff say bringing happiness to others came naturally.
“She would come in and the girls would just light up when she’s there. She always had a huge smile on her face,” said family friend Tracy Szhada.
Family friends say that smile and warmth made Dettloff unforgettable to those who knew her.
“She was just always the light to the room. She never came in in a bad mood,” Nina Galto said. “She was always a positive girl. She was willing to help anybody.”
A graduate of Glenbard North High School, Dettloff had recently started her freshman year at North Central College in Naperville, where she earned a spot on the cheer team.
Back home, friends said she became a role model for younger athletes through Panthers Cheer, where she coached and mentored children in the program.
“She’s just truly everything you want in a child. She was a go getter. She was a huge part in the community. She did Panthers Cheer. She volunteered there. She worked at the Park District,” Szhada said.
Galto said the shock of Dettloff’s death has been difficult for friends and family to process.
“It just wasn’t real, that we were in a bad dream, that we just were not hearing it correctly. We just — it was disbelief,” Galto said.
Bloomington police say investigators are still working to determine what led to the shooting.
“Immediately after the shooting occurred, everybody fled. Everybody that was able to flee took off and ran,” said Bryce Janssen, public information officer for the Bloomington Police Department.
As the investigation continues, those mourning Dettloff say they want people to remember how she lived.
“She was truly an angel on this earth. She made every person feel comfortable and happy and excited to be wherever she was,” Szhada said.
A vigil in Dettloff’s honor is scheduled for Wednesday at Glenbard North High School.
In a social media post, Glenbard North remembered Dettloff, saying she was “not only a sweet and caring soul, but she also had a massive positive influence on our community. She respected others and made our school a better place. Her impact will not be forgotten.”
Glenbard High School District 87 Superintendent Jessica Santee said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in Bloomington this weekend and the impact it has had on members of our community. Our connection to students doesn’t end when they graduate, they will always remain part of our school community. We know this news will be especially difficult for the teachers, staff, and classmates who knew them. Glenbard North High School leadership has been in communication with families, students, and staff working to provide any assistance needed. Far too many young lives have been impacted by senseless shootings. It is heartbreaking that our communities continue to face tragedies like this. Right now, our priority is supporting our students, staff, and families while respecting the privacy of those directly affected.”
North Central College also shared a message with its campus community, stating that “Giana was a member of our cheerleading team and our North Central family.” The college added that “no words can ease the pain of her loss, but please know that we mourn with you and are here to support you.”
“On behalf of the College, I offer my deepest condolences to her family, friends, teammates, and classmates. No words can ease the pain of her loss, but please know that we mourn with you and are here to support you. Our hearts are also with those injured in the shooting and their loved ones,” North Central College President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá said in a statement.
Investigators do not yet know whether one person or multiple people opened fire.
Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady condemned the violence, saying, “Any type of gun violence is too much gun violence. Any shots are too many shots.”
As Dettloff’s family, friends and community mourn her loss, Bloomington police are asking anyone who attended the Halloween party or who has photos or video from that night to come forward as the investigation continues.
Police asked anyone with evidence from the area of Center Street to Franklin Avenue and Emerson Street to Apple Street to contact them at 309-434-2532 or [email protected].
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Source: abc7chicago.com
