Kelly Mariel Coca, a 28-year-old Bolivian woman, tragically lost her life on August 12, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois. She was found dead in her home in the Little Village neighborhood, alongside her 5-year-old daughter, Karla Valeria Eguez. Both victims had been shot in the head. The incident was a result of a domestic dispute that escalated into a double murder-suicide attempt. Kelly's estranged husband, who was also the father of Karla, was identified as the shooter.
He attempted to take his own life after killing his wife and daughter but survived with critical injuries and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital.
The relationship between Kelly Coca and her husband had been tumultuous and marked by violence. They had been separated for several years, and Kelly had moved to Chicago to be closer to her family. Her husband, an Army veteran who had served in Afghanistan, had a history of domestic violence, including a dismissed charge of domestic battery in 2011. Despite their separation, he followed Kelly and their daughter from Miami to Chicago, where he carried out the attack. On the night of the incident, he broke into their home and shot Kelly and Karla before turning the gun on himself.
Kelly Coca's family described her as a hardworking single mother who was devoted to raising her daughter. She worked for a cleaning service and had recently taken Karla to Disney World. The family was devastated by the loss, and relatives expressed their sorrow and disbelief over the tragic events. They believed that the husband had carefully planned the attack, as he had previously sent Kelly pictures of the weapon and threatened to kill himself. Despite these threats, Kelly did not take them seriously, as it was not the first time he had made such statements.
The investigation into the deaths of Kelly Coca and her daughter revealed the extent of the domestic violence she had endured. Family members and neighbors recounted hearing arguments and commotion on the night of the shooting. The police confirmed that the husband was the shooter and that his actions were premeditated. He had rented a vehicle and waited for Kelly and Karla to return home before carrying out the attack. The case highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating impact it can have on families.
No charges were filed against the husband immediately following the incident, as he was in critical condition and under medical care. The community mourned the loss of Kelly and Karla, and their deaths served as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and intervention in cases of domestic violence. The tragic events of August 12, 2013, left a lasting impact on those who knew and loved Kelly Mariel Coca and her young daughter.
