On January 2, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Cicero, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of two women, including 19-year-old Myeshia Newby. The events unfolded in a home on the 1800 block of South 48th Court, where Myeshia Newby and her cousin, 29-year-old Jessica Hughes, were shot and killed during a domestic dispute.
The altercation began when Myeshia Newby got into an argument with her boyfriend, 21-year-old Rafael Vega, over a LINK card.
The argument escalated, and Vega shot Newby in the basement of the home. Jessica Hughes, who was trying to protect Newby's 10-month-old son, Arturo, was also shot by Vega as she attempted to escape with the baby.
Both women were found wounded by gunfire and were rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. The infant, Arturo, who was with his mother during the shooting, was initially thought to be unharmed but was later discovered to have suffered a gunshot wound. He was taken to St. Anthony Hospital and then transferred to the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was stabilized.
Following the shooting, Rafael 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. He had died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident was described as chaotic, with multiple people, including children, present in the house at the time of the shooting. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots and the subsequent screams and commotion. The Cicero police responded quickly, evacuating the house and ensuring the safety of those present. The police investigation confirmed that the deaths were domestic-related and isolated.
Myeshia Newby's family and the community were left in shock and grief, mourning the loss of two young women who were described as loving mothers and good souls. The incident highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the impact it has on families and communities.
