November 12, 2018 about 9:00 A.M. the Will County Sheriff’s Office reported they were dispatched in the area of Jefferson Street and Eden Lane in Joliet in regard to a deceased black female. The body was found by a hunter on private property, and was located in an open hole in a heavily wooded area near Woodlawn Memorial Park off West Jefferson Street in Joliet Township. The autopsy revealed she died of strangulation. She was identified by a tattoo on her leg.
The Will County Sheriff’s Office stated in their press release “Since the onset of this investigation, detectives have spent hundreds of hours following up on crime tips, evidence, and tracking down the offender. Dozens of tips from the public were reviewed; several hotels in Will and Cook County were examined; cell phone records; social media; and Ford’s vehicle, all played a major role in tracking McMillian down from Joliet and Cook County back to North Carolina.”
SUSPECT Deiontae Shawnrico McMillian was in a relationship with Danica Shernay Ford moving from Concord, North Carolina to Illinois. McMillian was offered a job in Illinois though he didn’t remain in that job long. Danica followed him up here, moving from hotel to hotel and working as a dancer and hair stylist. It has not yet been known where Danica was killed, but it is believed that she was not killed where she was found.
It is believed that McMillian killed Danica somewhere outside of Will County, drove her to the location in the woods and set the area “on fire in in an attempt to destroy evidence.” McMillian was found in North Carolina. His vehicle was located at one of his relatives residence reportedly on Covenwood Drive in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The license plate had been removed.
COURT Deiontae S McMillian was charged with three counts of First Degree Murder and one count of Concealment of a homicidal death. McMillian filed his address with the courtroom as 1841 Tryon Drive in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Case Numbers #2019CF000261 and #2018CF002227 show he was indicted February 13, 2019. His bond amount is 10% of the $2 Million. He has plead not guilty.
As of August 2022, there is no Trial date yet set, but court does continue.
We will continue to update.
OBITUARY
The Vivacious Danica Shernay Ford entered this world on October 25, 1996 and was born to Darrin and Tammy Ford in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. She attended Cabarrus county Schools and graduated in 2015 from Concord High School. While in high school, Danica played basketball, volleyball, and was part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Ministry. After high school, Danica attended Johnson and Wales University at charlotte where she played the positions of point guard and shooting guard on the women's basketball team. Danica also worked throughout her high school and college careers in the restaurant industry as a hostess and later became a waitress. She was known for her vibrant personality. Many people loved her and if anyone ever needed makeup tips, she was the influencer and expert. On November 12, 2018, Danica exchanged time for eternity in Joliet, Illinois. she was preceded in death by her grandparents, the late Samuel and Nancy Ford. she leaves behind to cherish her memories, her devoted parents of Concord, NC, her loyal brother, ashton ford of Concord, NC; two loving daughters, Aubree Lynx Ford and Kobi Rylann Ford of Concord, NC; her caring grandparents, Melvin and Mary Wilkerson of Concord, NC; four aunts, Karen Wilkerson of Concord, NC; Melondy Parker of Stony Point, NC; Crystal Lipscomb (Cassius) of Spartanburg, SC; and Roslyn Campbell (Quinton) of Kannapolis, NC.; and two uncles, Ricky Wilkerson (Cynthia) of Concord, NC and Derrick Ford (Carla) of Kannapolis, NC. She also leaves behind a host of cousins and friends.
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