In the quiet town of Venice, Illinois, a day meant for celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy on Saturday, August 25, 2025. Jerry Lamont Haynes Jr., a devoted young father, was fatally shot in the yard of his home, just hours after reveling in the joy of his young son’s birthday party. The vibrant laughter and warmth of that celebration now echo as a haunting memory for his grieving mother, Natasha Thomas, and a community left reeling from the loss of a cherished soul.

Jerry, described by those who knew him as a beacon of love and dedication, was Natasha’s only son. His sudden death has carved a void in her heart, compounding the weight she already carries as the primary caregiver for her aging parents. The pain of losing her son is not just emotional but also a heavy financial burden, as the family navigates funeral expenses and an uncertain future without Jerry’s light. Natasha’s cousin, Miranda Mosby, has stepped forward with a heartfelt plea, rallying the community to ease this burden through a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs and provide some relief during this harrowing time.

To those in Venice, Jerry was more than a name—he was a friend, a neighbor, a devoted father whose love for his child shone brightly. Friends recall his warm smile and unwavering commitment to his family, traits that made him a cornerstone of the tight-knit community. As news of his death spread, neighbors and loved ones came together, offering prayers, condolences, and support, determined to honor the memory of a man whose life was cut short far too soon.

The circumstances of Jerry’s death remain under investigation by local authorities, who are piecing together the events that led to this devastating act of gun violence. No suspect has been named, and the community waits for answers, grappling with the senselessness of the tragedy. Yet, amidst the sorrow, the spirit of Venice shines through. The community’s response—through shared grief, fundraising efforts, and a collective call for justice—reflects the strength and unity that Jerry himself embodied.

As the sun sets over Venice, the loss of Jerry Lamont Haynes Jr. lingers like a wound that time may never fully heal. His story, though now tinged with tragedy, remains a testament to the love he gave and the lives he touched. The community vows to keep his memory alive, standing together to support Natasha and to ensure that Jerry’s legacy as a loving father and cherished son endures.