Elsa Veronica Quintero-Barriga, a 50-year-old Hispanic woman from Peoria, Illinois, tragically lost her life on November 19, 2022. She was born on June 24, 1972, in Michoacan, Mexico, and was a dedicated mother and worker in the housekeeping industry. On the evening of her death, a 911 call reported a burglary in progress and shots fired at her residence on West Montana Street. When police arrived, they found Elsa unresponsive with gunshot wounds to her upper body.
Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at OSF St. Francis Medical Center shortly after the incident.
The Peoria County Coroner, Jamie Harwood, confirmed that Elsa died from a gunshot wound to her upper body, and her death was ruled a homicide. The investigation revealed that she likely died within seconds of being shot. This incident marked the 24th homicide in Peoria for the year 2022. The police have not released any suspect information, and the case remains under active investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Detective Roberto Vasquez or to provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
Elsa's death has left a significant impact on her family and the community. She is survived by her parents, Rafael Quintero Araiza, Sr. and Maria Teresa Barriga, her son Jesus Reteguin, and her daughters Melisa, Juana, and Rosaura Reteguin. Her funeral services were held at Iglesia Bautista El Vista in Peoria, and she was laid to rest in Jardin de la Esperanza Cemetery in Ecuanduro, Michoacan, Mexico. The community continues to mourn her loss and hopes for justice to be served in her case.
