On January 2, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Cicero, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of two women and the wounding of a 10-month-old baby. The victims, identified as 29-year-old Jessica Hughes and 19-year-old Myeshia Newby, were found with gunshot wounds in the basement of a residence in the 1800 block of South 48th Court. The shooting was reported around 7:45 p.m., and upon arrival, police encountered a chaotic scene with approximately 14 individuals inside the home, many of whom were screaming and running around.
Jessica Hughes and Myeshia Newby were transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Myeshia Newby was in a relationship with the alleged shooter, 21-year-old Rafael Vega, who was also the father of her 10-month-old son, Arturo. The infant was grazed by a bullet and underwent surgery at Comer Children's Hospital, where he was reported to be stable and recovering.
The shooting is believed to have been triggered by an argument between Newby and Vega over a Link card. According to family members, the argument escalated, and Vega shot Newby and then turned the gun on Hughes, who was trying to escape with the baby. Hughes' father, Mitchell Benton, described the chaotic scene and the moments leading up to the shooting, including the physical altercation that ensued as Vega attempted to flee.
Following the shooting, Vega managed to escape the scene and was later found dead in a park near 16th Street and Central Avenue, approximately a mile away from the crime scene. Police identified the body as that of Rafael Vega, who had apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Cicero Police Department confirmed that there was no danger to the public and that the incident was being treated as a double homicide.
The community and the families of the victims were deeply affected by the tragedy, with Hughes' parents expressing their grief and devastation over the loss of their loved ones. The incident highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence and its impact on families and communities.
