Great-grandmother dies after being found inside apartment fire with gunshot wound
CHICAGO (CBS)-- A woman was found dead with gunshot wounds inside an Austin apartment fire early Friday morning.
According to police, the 57-year-old great-grandmother was found in the 200 block of South Lavergne Avenue just after 2:15 a.m.
Police said she had a gunshot wound to the right leg and was taken to Stroger Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Family and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said the woman was Eunice Moman.
A neighbor who lives below the victim said she heard noises and did not hear from her friend. Then, she saw smoke in the third-floor apartment.
A cousin of the victim said this loss leaves a hole in the family's lives. The family said the victim has nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Loved ones said Moman was a "sweetheart" and lived alone.
"She was a beautiful person," said Sharon Rainey, a friend of Moman's. "She really was."
Rasheedah Warren, another friend, added through tears, "I didn't even know if for sure she was in there, but when I saw them bring her out, I couldn't believe it."
CBS 2 watched Chicago police detectives work all morning and early Friday afternoon, going in and out of the apartment building. Investigators wee seen taking photos inside the apartment where Moman lived.
As detectives work, friends and family were left wondering how and why she died.
"She meant a lot to me," said another friend. "She was like an auntie to me. I just cannot believe somebody did this to her."
Police are investigating. The fire department has not commented on the possible cause of the fire.