Melinda Anderson, a 28-year-old African American woman from Chicago, IL, tragically lost her life on May 4, 2020. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning in the Austin neighborhood, specifically in the 5600 block of West Madison Street. Melinda, a mother of five children ranging from 7 months to 12 years old, was shot in the head. She was initially taken to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park by an unidentified driver who left before police could arrive.
Despite being transferred to Stroger Hospital, Melinda succumbed to her injuries the following day. The Cook County medical examiner's office ruled her death a homicide.
The primary suspect in this case was Robbie York, a 42-year-old repeat felon and the father of three of Melinda's children. York was charged with manslaughter, being an armed habitual criminal, and unlawful use of a weapon. According to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office, York initially claimed that Melinda had shot herself, but later admitted that the gun discharged while he was handling it. Melinda's twin sister, Melissa Anderson, expressed disbelief in York's account, citing the medical examiner's findings that the gunshot was fired at close range, penetrating Melinda's skull. Melissa believed that York intentionally shot Melinda because he did not want her to move on from their relationship.
York turned himself in to the police and was held on a $350,000 bail. He had a history of previous convictions, including armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon as a felon, and drug and burglary offenses. The weapon used in the shooting was not recovered, and York claimed he did not know what happened to it. The case was set to continue in court, with York expected to appear again on May 21, 2020.
Melinda Anderson was remembered by her family and friends as a warm, sweet-hearted person who worked as a security officer to provide for her children. Her death left a significant impact on her loved ones, who described her as compassionate, loving, and dedicated to her family. The investigation into her death highlighted the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing justice to victims and their families.
