Carla Eguez, a 5-year-old girl from Chicago, IL, tragically lost her life on August 12, 2013, in a harrowing incident that also claimed the life of her mother, Kelly Coca. The incident occurred in their home in the Little Village neighborhood. Carla and her 28-year-old mother were found dead from gunshot wounds to the head. The perpetrator was identified as Carla's father, Juan Eguez, who attempted to take his own life after committing the murders.
The events unfolded when Juan Eguez,
who had a history of violence and had been separated from Kelly Coca for four years, traveled from Miami to Chicago. He broke into the home and shot both his estranged wife and daughter before turning the gun on himself. Despite his self-inflicted gunshot wound, Juan Eguez initially survived and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
The motive behind the murders was rooted in a tumultuous and violent relationship between Juan Eguez and Kelly Coca. Relatives described Juan as having a history of violent behavior, and the couple had been separated for years but not divorced. Carla had recently returned from a visit to her father in Miami as part of a joint custody agreement. The family was unaware that Juan had traveled to Chicago overnight.
The investigation revealed that Juan Eguez had premeditated the attack. He rented a red SUV, purchased a gun, and waited for Kelly and Carla to return home. Upon their arrival, he knocked on the door, and when Carla opened it, he immediately opened fire. Kelly's sister, who was in the basement, heard the shots and called the police. The police found Juan with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and rushed him to the hospital.
The tragic deaths of Carla Eguez and Kelly Coca left their family and community in shock and mourning. Carla, described as a big-hearted girl who loved ballet and playing with her iPad, was about to start kindergarten. The family, originally from Bolivia, had moved to Chicago to be closer to relatives. The incident highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and intervention.
