by Chicago, Illinois—Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a city employee who was found dead Friday morning inside an apartment building in the West Ridge neighborhood, prompting concern among coworkers and residents in the area.
Authorities say the victim, a 36-year-old woman, was discovered after colleagues became worried when she failed to report to work. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Welfare Check Leads to Grim Discovery
According to a source familiar with the investigation, the woman worked for the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications. When she did not show up for work, a deputy director from the agency requested that police conduct a well-being check.
Officers responded to an apartment building in the 6900 block of North Bell Avenue, where they found the woman unresponsive with a gunshot wound to her abdomen, officials said. She was pronounced dead inside the apartment.
“She didn’t come in, and that immediately raised concern,” a source said of the decision to request the welfare check.
Neighbors Express Shock and Concern
The killing has shaken residents in the West Ridge neighborhood, an area many consider relatively quiet.
One neighbor, who recently moved into the area, said the news was deeply unsettling.
“It just lets you know you’ve got to be cautious everywhere you go,” he said. “That’s sad to hear. I hope they find out who did it.”
Another resident who serves on the board that manages the apartment building said there had been previous disturbances linked to the unit where the woman was found.
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“I’ve heard fighting coming from that apartment before,” the neighbor said, though it was unclear whether those incidents were connected to Friday’s shooting.
Investigation Ongoing, No Arrests Announced
Police have not released details about what led up to the shooting, and no one was in custody as of Friday afternoon.
Detectives assigned to Chicago Police Department Area 3 were seen at the building for several hours, carrying evidence in and out of the apartment as they worked to piece together what happened.
“This remains an active investigation,” police said, adding that all leads are being followed.
Victim Not Yet Identified Publicly
The victim’s name has not been released, pending notification of family members. City officials have not commented publicly on the case beyond confirming the woman’s employment status.
Colleagues described the situation as devastating, particularly given the nature of the woman’s work supporting emergency communications for the city.
Community and City Left Searching for Answers
The shooting has raised renewed concerns about safety, even in neighborhoods often viewed as stable and secure. Residents say the presence of investigators and crime scene activity served as a stark reminder that violence can strike unexpectedly.
“You think you’re safe, and then something like this happens,” a neighbor said. “It makes you stop and think.”
Police are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward as the investigation continues.
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