Chicago Police Investigate Fatal Little Village Shooting

Abbigail Somoza, 22, was fatally shot Saturday night in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood after returning from a Halloween shopping trip with her mother, police said. Somoza was struck outside a home where she once lived, taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, and later died from her injuries.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Somoza was standing in the 2800 block of West 23rd Street around 8:43 p.m. when shots were fired from about a block away. Police said she suffered a gunshot wound to the armpit, while her mother was not injured.

The Cook County medical examiner's office determined Somoza died from a gunshot wound to her torso, and her death was ruled a homicide. Area 4 detectives are investigating, while police have not identified a suspect or said whether a specific person was targeted.

Family members described Somoza as a caring young woman who worked at a fast-food restaurant while saving money for cosmetology school. Her aunt Gina Somoza said the shooting deeply affected relatives.

"She wanted to go back to start doing nails for people. She had that dream," Gina Somoza said.

Gina Somoza said the family lost a daughter and relative who prioritized those close to her. A memorial outside the home has grown as neighbors continue to pay respects.

"They killed their only princess. They changed the whole family tremendously," Gina Somoza said.

A neighbor who knew Somoza from childhood described the moments after the shooting and said the incident left a lasting impression.

"I came outside, called the ambulance, comforted Mom," the neighbor said.

The neighbor recalled hearing Somoza's mother describe the shooting after emergency help was called.

"She said she just heard the shots, and then, she told her it hurt. And then, she fell," the neighbor said.

The same neighbor said Somoza had been part of the community for years and remembered seeing her grow up.

"I will never forget the scene. I saw her grow up, and I'll never forget," the neighbor said.

Somoza's mother, Maria, said her daughter was not involved in conflicts with others and was not believed to be the intended target. She described her daughter as loving and caring after the shooting.

"She was a good girl. She was loving. She didn't have problems with anyone," Maria said.

Maria said the family is seeking justice while also raising money for medical bills and funeral expenses. A fundraiser organized by loved ones had collected more than $2,600 toward a $9,000 goal, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

"We have to catch those scumbags who hurt my daughter. Justice must be served. They can't leave a family like this," Maria said.

Police continued searching for the person responsible on Monday and have not released further details about the circumstances of the shooting.