DARK SECRETS: Melissa ortega | Vintage Vibes

Little Village high school gets sorely needed investment

“In a neighborhood with the most youth in the entire city of Chicago and some of the least amount of greenspace, projects like this are a game-changer,” said New Life Center Pastor Matt DeMateo.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 17, 2022

Surge in Chicago violence highlights teens in trouble and efforts to save them

CHICAGO — The realistic painting in vivid colors by Adolfo Davis shows two sides of the same street, one bathed in sunlight with a college and an art center and the word “choices” written along the curb. On the other, a prison, a Chicago police surveillance camera, crime scene tape,…

Chicago Tribune · Mar 15, 2022

Once again, deadly shootings have us asking, ‘What can be done to stop the violence?’

Melissa Ortega, Gloria and Erskine Binder and Bobbye Johnson: Innocent lives lost are a reminder that ending gun violence starts with keeping guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 5, 2022

2 held without bond in shooting of 8-year-old Chicago girl, including teen who was on probation in pair of carjackings

CHICAGO — A 16-year-old on juvenile probation opened fire on the street in broad daylight after seeing a rival flash gang signs, hitting his intended target in the back — but also shooting 8-year-old Melissa Ortega in the head while she crossed the street with her mother, Cook County prosecutors…

Chicago Tribune · Jan 27, 2022

Cooperation from Little Village community key to arrests in shooting death of 8-year-old girl, City Council member says

"It worked this time. It doesn’t work all the time," said local Ald. Mike Rodriguez. But "like Melissa’s mother, I have hope. I refuse to be the victim of just the thoughts of doubt and despair. ... I believe in our community. I believe in us."

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 27, 2022

In the months before he allegedly shot and killed a young girl, a 16-year-old boy used a gun in three carjackings and got probation

Emilio Corripio was ordered held without bond Thursday on charges of murder, attempted murder and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 27, 2022

Suspects charged in connection with fatal shooting of 8-year-old Chicago girl, top cop says

CHICAGO — A man and a 16-year-old boy have been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 8-year-old Melissa Ortega, who was shot in the head as she walked through Chicago's Little Village neighborhood with her mother this past weekend, Chicago police Superintendent David Brown announced.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 26, 2022

Pair being held in connection with fatal shooting of 8-year-old Chicago girl, sources say

CHICAGO — A man and a teenager were in custody early Wednesday in connection with the fatal shooting of 8-year-old Melissa Ortega, who was shot in the head as she walked through Chicago's Little Village neighborhood with her mother this past weekend, sources said.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 26, 2022

Melissa Ortega: Two arrested over fatal shooting of eight-year-old Chicago girl, reports say

The 8-year-old girl was reportedly caught in the crossfire of a shooting targeted at a member of Chicago’s Gangster Two-Six street gang

The Independent UK · Jan 26, 2022

As a 16-year-old boy is charged with killing her young daughter, girl’s mom says she forgives him and calls him a victim, too

"To the aggressor, I forgive you," Aracelia Leanos said in a statement read at a news conference announcing charges. "You were a victim, too. As a 16-year-old, the community failed you, just like it failed my precious baby."

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 26, 2022