Maria Blanca Lazaro-Castillo, a 41-year-old woman, was tragically killed on October 13, 2024, in the McKinley Park area of Chicago, Illinois. The incident occurred when she was sitting in a car with her ex-boyfriend in the 3800 block of South Damen Avenue. According to police reports, the two got into an argument, and the ex-boyfriend got out of the car and shot her in the head.
The suspect, who has not yet been apprehended, was last seen fleeing the scene in a white Chrysler Town & Country with the license plate IT9950D. Despite having obtained an order of protection against him, it had not been served at the time of the shooting.
Lazaro-Castillo was a dedicated mother to her three children, aged 9, 11, and 18. Her family and community have been deeply affected by her death, with her brother-in-law, Miguel Valenzuela, starting a GoFundMe campaign to support her children. The fundraiser has raised over $21,000, significantly exceeding the initial goal of $5,000.
Her death has sparked renewed calls for stronger legislation to protect victims of domestic violence, particularly the passage of Karina’s bill. This legislation aims to clarify and strengthen policies for confiscating firearms from individuals subject to an order of protection, highlighting the urgent need to prevent further tragedies like Lazaro-Castillo's.
Lazaro-Castillo was also a valued member of her community, having worked at Pillars Community Health for five years. Her employer and various advocacy groups have emphasized the critical importance of protecting victims of domestic violence before they become survivors, underscoring the need for immediate and effective action to prevent such incidents.
