Chicago police are actively investigating the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Abbygail Somoza. She was killed on a Saturday night outside a residence in the city’s Little Village neighborhood. The tragic incident occurred in the 2800 block of West 23rd Street as Somoza stood outside with her mother, just moments after they returned home from a shopping trip to gather Halloween supplies.
According to reports from Chicago police and local sources, the shooting took place at approximately 8:43 p.m. Somoza was standing outside the home where she once lived, talking with her mother about their plans to decorate for Halloween-her favorite time of year-when gunshots rang out from roughly a block away. Family members and investigators note that Somoza was struck in the armpit and torso. She was quickly transported by ambulance to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Investigation Underway by Area 4 Detectives
As of Monday, Area 4 detectives have not identified any suspects, and no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide. Police have not yet confirmed a definitive motive. However, family members believe Somoza was an innocent bystander and not the intended target of the gunfire. A police report reviewed by the Chicago Sun-Times indicates the shots originated from about a block away from where the victim and her mother were parked.
Adding to community concerns, neighbors reported that law enforcement officers had responded to the same block earlier in the day following disturbances caused by individuals described as gang members. Those officers had reportedly left the area long before the gunfire erupted later that evening. Local residents expressed fear of retribution while speaking with reporters about the sudden violence.
Family and Community Mourn the Loss
Loved ones are devastated by the sudden loss of Somoza. Family members describe her as a sweet, loving, and caring young woman who always put her family first. At the time of her passing, Somoza was working at a fast-food restaurant to save money so she could attend cosmetology school and pursue her dream of doing nails professionally. Her aunt, Gina Somoza, shared the profound grief felt by her relatives, stating that the tragedy completely altered the family.
A growing memorial filled with candles, rosaries, flowers, and a plush bat now marks the sidewalk outside the West 23rd Street home. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign established by grieving loved ones to assist with funeral expenses had raised over $2,600 toward its $9,000 goal by Monday afternoon. An autopsy conducted Sunday by the Cook County medical examiner’s office officially ruled Somoza’s death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the torso.
The Incident Details
- Victim: Abbygail Somoza, 22
- Date and Time: Saturday night at approximately 8:43 p.m.
- Location: 2800 block of West 23rd Street, Little Village, Chicago
- Hospital and Cause of Death: Mount Sinai Hospital; gunshot wound to torso (ruled homicide)
- Current Status: Ongoing investigation by Area 4 detectives; no suspects identified
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Abbygail Somoza in Little Village?
Abbygail Somoza, 22, was fatally shot while standing outside a home in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood with her mother after returning from a Halloween shopping trip. Gunshots rang out from about a block away, and she was struck in the torso.
Have any suspects been arrested in the shooting?
As of the latest updates from law enforcement, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Area 4 detectives are continuing their active homicide investigation.
Was Abbygail Somoza the intended target?
According to statements from her family and initial police reviews, investigators believe Somoza was an innocent bystander and not the intended target when the shots were fired near 23rd and California.
What were Somoza’s aspirations before her death?
Loved ones shared that Somoza was working at a fast-food restaurant to save money so she could enroll in cosmetology school and pursue a career doing nails.
How is the community responding to the tragedy?
Neighbors and family members established a memorial featuring candles, flowers, and rosaries outside the home where she was killed. A GoFundMe page was also organized to support her family during this difficult time.
