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Woman shot, killed in domestic dispute on Chicago's Northwest Side

Domestic dispute led to shooting that killed woman on Chicago's Northwest Side
Domestic dispute led to shooting that killed woman on Chicago's Northwest Side 02:24

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 35-year-old mother is dead after being shot at her home in the Portage Park neighborhood early Thursday morning.

CBS News Chicago has learned the deadly shooting was the result of a domestic dispute.

Chicago Police said around 4:50 a.m., the woman suffered a gunshot wound to the chest at a home in the 5800 block of West Newport Avenue. She was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition and later died.

"In the morning, I hear screaming, and my wife woke up, and we listened the sound of the alarm. I thought it was the Fire Department, and I tell my wife, 'Go to sleep,'" neighbor Louis Vera said. "I never thought it was a murder."

The victim was the mother of three children—the youngest, not even a year old. It was unclear whether the woman's children were present at the time of the shooting or whether it happened inside or outside of her home. 

Police sources later confirmed that the victim was five months pregnant and that medical staff were able to extract the baby, who was listed in critical condition. The baby was given a 25% chance of survival, according to the staff. 

Police later took a man into custody for questioning. Relatives said that the person was in a relationship with the victim.

A close friend described the relationship as an abusive one, recalling constantly seeing bruises on the victim's body and face.

Woman shot to death in Portage Park 02:25

Ald. Ruth Cruz (30th) confirmed to CBS News Chicago that the shooting was the result of a domestic situation, but it remained unclear late Thursday whether there was an order of protection filed against the man suspected to be responsible.

According to a CBS News Chicago analysis, the person believed to be in police custody has a lengthy criminal record and has spent time in prison.

The tragedy has now prompted the alderwoman to canvass the neighborhood, educating residents about the resources available to anyone experiencing similar domestic situations.

"It is important. This is something that can change the path that we just encountered today. It is extremely sad—a young mother, three children," Cruz said. "We want to make sure that anyone out there who is a victim, or someone who knows of someone, knows that there are resources."

Charges pending in shooting that killed woman on Chicago's Northwest Side 02:06

Grand Central Area continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident late Thursday. As of late Thursday, charges in the case were still pending.

CBS News Chicago was waiting to get more details from police and the Cook County State's Attorney's office.


Updated on Jan. 20, 2025. 

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