An infant delivered prematurely after the tragic shooting of a five-months pregnant woman in Portage Park has only a 25% chance of survival, according to a police report.
Detectives are questioning a 42-year-old man described as the woman’s domestic partner. The man, a convicted felon, has not been charged as of now.
The Incident
The victim, 35-year-old Edith Castrejon, was shot in the chest around 4:50 a.m. Thursday in her home on the 5800 block of West Newport Avenue, according to Chicago police. She was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she passed away at 6:24 a.m., the Cook County medical examiner confirmed.
Before Castrejon died, doctors delivered her baby at 5:48 a.m. The newborn remains in critical condition, facing a grim survival rate.
An autopsy later confirmed that Castrejon’s death was caused by the gunshot wound to her chest. It was ruled a homicide.
What Happened
Police reports reveal Castrejon was in bed with her partner when the shooting occurred. The man told police the gun, which was under a pillow, went off accidentally as Castrejon tried to move it, while his hand was near the weapon.
A handgun and bullet were recovered from the scene. Investigators noted that the man did not have a firearm owner’s ID card and had a criminal record. His past convictions include charges for firearm and drug offenses dating back to 2000.
Community Response
On Friday, the neighborhood was quiet, with residents going about their routines. Some declined to comment when approached, while others were seen taking down holiday decorations from the house where the incident occurred.
Alderman Ruth Cruz (30th Ward) confirmed the shooting was a domestic violence case. Castrejon leaves behind three other children, aged 12, 10, and under one year. Cruz urged residents to be vigilant and reach out to the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338 for support.
“If you see someone in trouble, speak up and lend a hand,” Cruz said.
Remembering Edith Castrejon
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help support Castrejon’s family and children. The page describes her as a dedicated mother, sister, and friend. By Friday evening, the fundraiser had collected over $1,800 toward its $6,500 goal.
This tragic case highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence in our communities. Help is available for those in need.
