A massive crowd gathered on Friday evening for a candlelight vigil outside the home of 37-year-old Adrianna Lopez, who tragically lost her life last weekend in a shooting incident involving her ex-boyfriend.
Among the attendees were many friends, family members, Chicago Police Officers, and former colleagues from the Chicago Public School system, all offering support to the grieving family as they get ready for her funeral.
"It's still hard to believe," expressed Judin Bonilla, who had worked alongside Lopez at Nathan Davis Elementary School. "We're all in shock."
It's been five days since the unfortunate incident claimed the life of the CPS Special Education teacher. She was shot ten times outside her residence on the Southwest Side, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, 37-year-old Cristobal Santana.
"She wasn't just a coworker; she was a friend. She was like family to us at Nathan Davis," shared Bonilla.
Numerous colleagues of Lopez came from Nathan Davis Elementary, where she had been teaching special education for the past four years.
"She was a ray of sunshine," said Isabel Diaz, who had worked with Lopez as an assistant.
"She was dedicated, organized, loved by all, kind, and incredibly brave. Our school will miss her deeply," added Bonilla.
Cristobal Santana faces charges of two counts of attempted first-degree murder after his arrest in downstate Springfield on Tuesday night. During his apprehension, State Police reported that he shot a State Trooper in the leg, resulting in his hospitalization for injuries he sustained.
"There will be a time for justice, but for now, it's a time for mourning, remembering, and preserving Adrianna's memory," stated 23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabarez, who attended the vigil on Friday.
"We will dearly miss Adrianna. Please keep her family and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers," Bonilla concluded.
While Santana remains under police watch in the hospital, services for Adrianna Lopez are scheduled for Sunday and Monday.
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