A Humboldt Park woman is facing murder charges after her 1-year-old daughter’s tragic death last month.
The child, Lucia Vazquez, passed away on December 20 at her home on the 500 block of North Springfield Avenue. According to the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Lucia died from asphyxiation and assault. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Police responded to a call about a death investigation at the home that morning. When officers arrived, they found 37-year-old Marisol Vazquez sitting on a bed with her unresponsive daughter behind her. Officers immediately performed life-saving measures on the child, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inside the home, officers discovered the bathtub full of water with clothing clogging the drain, according to court documents. Marisol Vazquez reportedly made incoherent statements to the officers and was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for a mental health evaluation.
During the investigation, Vazquez later admitted to a detective that she had suffocated her daughter using a bed sheet. She also revealed that she attempted to drown herself in the bathtub.
On Thursday, Vazquez was arrested while still at the hospital. She has been charged with one count of first-degree murder. During a court hearing on Saturday, a judge ordered her to remain in custody until her trial. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.
This heartbreaking case is a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support in times of crisis.
