Bloomington shooting: Giana Dettloff, North Central College student and Glenbard North graduate, killed near Illinois Wesleyan University

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WLS) — Giana Dettloff, 19, is remembered by friends and family 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 Sunday in a mass shooting at a Halloween party near Illinois Wesleyan University. Eight other people were injured.

ABC7 Chicago is now broadcast 24/7. Click here to watch

Bloomington police and city officials provided an update Monday. Police Chief Jamal Simington said he personally patrolled the area before the shooting and observed no signs of trouble, describing the gathering as “notably peaceful, jovial” with “no disturbance observed or reported prior to the shooting.”

He added: “There was no indication or warning that a shooting was going to occur.”

Police said between 150 and 200 people were gathered in a shared courtyard between homes when the shooting took place. Authorities say a nearby officer heard about 10 gunshots around 1:20 a.m. and arrived within a minute to find several people injured.

“Immediately after the shooting, everyone ran away,” said Bryce Janssen, public information officer for the Bloomington Police Department. “Everyone who was able to flee has fled.”

Authorities said the number of gunshot victims rose to nine. Dettloff was killed, while eight other people 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 child,” Simington said. “She was described as a lively, sweet girl with a very bright future.”

Those close to Dettloff say bringing happiness to others came naturally.

“She would come in and the girls would light up when she was there. She always had a big smile on her face,” said Tracy Szhada, a family friend.

Family friends say her smile and warmth made Dettloff unforgettable to those who knew her.

“She was always the light in the room. She never came in in a bad mood,” Nina Galto said. “She was always a positive girl. She was willing to help anyone.”

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 young athletes through Panthers Cheer, where she coached and mentored children in the program.

“She’s really everything you want in a kid. She was a go-getter. She was an important part of the community. She participated in 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 deal with.

“It just wasn’t real, we were in a bad dream, we just couldn’t hear it properly. We were just in disbelief,” Galto said.

Bloomington police said investigators are still working to determine what led to the shooting.

“Immediately after the shooting, everyone fled. Anyone who was able to escape took off and ran away,” said Bryce Janssen, public information officer for the Bloomington Police Department.

As the investigation continues, those who mourn Dettloff say they want people to remember how she lived.

“She was truly an angel on this earth. She made everyone feel comfortable, happy and excited to be where she was,” Szhada said.

A vigil in Dettloff’s honor is planned for Wednesday at Glenbard North High School.

In a social media post, Glenbard North remembered Dettloff, saying she was “not only a gentle and caring soul, but she also had a tremendous 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 with students does not end once they graduate, they will always be part of our school community. Far too many young people have been affected by senseless shootings. It is heartbreaking that our communities continue to face tragedies like this. At this time, our priority is to support 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 his loss, but know that we grieve with you and are here to support you.”

“On behalf of the College, I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and classmates. No words can ease the pain of his loss, but please know that we grieve with you and are here to support you. Our hearts also go out to 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 if one or more people opened fire.

Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady condemned the violence, saying, “Any kind of gun violence is too much gun violence. All the shots are too many shots. »

As Dettloff’s family, friends and community mourn his loss, Bloomington Police are asking anyone who attended the Halloween party or has photos or videos from that evening to come forward as the investigation continues.

Police asked anyone with evidence in the area of ​​Center Street at Franklin Avenue and Emerson Street at Apple Street to contact them at 309-434-2532 or Pdiaz@cityblm.org.