Fundraising underway for family of central Illinois boy, 4, killed in police shooting

The family of a 4-year-old boy shot and killed by a Macomb police officer March 16 has set up a GoFundMe page to to help raise funds as they mourn the death of someone they called "the light in a lot of people's worlds."

Terrell Miller was killed when the Macomb Police Department responded to a call in the 900 block of North Charles where a woman – Terrell's mother, Keianna – was found bleeding with multiple stab wounds.

Illinois State Police say that Anthony T. George, 57, was found by officers with a knife before leaving the room and returning with Terrell, pointing a knife to the boy's throat. One officer fired his weapon, striking both and killing them.

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As the investigation continues, the Miller family prepares for a funeral that they never hoped would come this soon. The GoFundMe page is asking for $20,000 and wants people who donate to raise awareness of how Terrell was killed.

"Our goal is to prevent such tragedies from befalling another innocent child," the family said on its fundraising page. "We also advocate for changes to local, state, and national laws and protocols, to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals, especially children, in similar situations."

In his obituary, Terrell was remembered as someone whose intelligence and wit far surpassed his years, a child who brightened the lives of everyone who knew him.

"(For) everyone that he came in contact with, (their) life was forever changed," the obituary said. "He could hold a conversation like a 50 year old and his intelligence was unmatched. Terrell loved going to church to sing and Praise the Lord. He loved Spider-Man and was truly a hero to so many people."

Terrell's funeral is scheduled for March 23 at 2 p.m. at Mount Calvary Church in Macomb. A visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to the service.

People can donate through the GoFundMe or the Terrell Miller Memorial Fund.

In addition to his mother, Terrell is survived by his father Dewayne Crenshaw; his "bonus mom" Callie Arlington; his three siblings, Kingston, A'Lanih and Khristian; his grandparents, Verneata "YaYa" Jones, Karen Miller, Stephania "NaNa" Rolley and Bruce and Tonya Crenshaw; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

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