Family of 15-year-old killed by stray bullets reacts to news that suspect is in custody

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. — As the family of Valeria Rodriguez continues to raise money for her funeral, police said they have arrested a man in connection with her shooting death.

No charges have been filed yet, but investigators say a gun was recovered from the suspect’s home, which police say is within walking distance of Valeria’s house.

The family of the slain 15-year-old told WGN News that they now feel some relief now that the suspected shooter is off the streets.

“I feel like the mother has a lot more peace now knowing that the person who did this to her daughter is now in custody and we will now try to get justice for her,” said Betzaida Garcia, Valeria’s aunt.

Valeria, who would have been in her sophomore year of college, was shot and killed Wednesday night when a stray bullet ripped through her Round Lake Beach home while she was eating dinner with her sister.

“A lot of people throw a lot of firecrackers, but these weren’t firecrackers,” said neighbor Alfredo Duenas.

At this point, investigators believe Valeria was not the intended target and say the fatal shooting may have been random. Police arrested the suspect after executing a search warrant on his home.

“It’s scary because we never thought someone like this would live near us,” one person who asked not to be identified told WGN News.

As the search for answers continues, Valeria’s family says they are focused on honoring her life and raising money for her unexpected funeral.

“All of the GoFundMe donations will go toward her funeral,” Garcia said. “We will also be holding a fundraiser at the park right next to her house to raise more money for her parents.”

The family says the fundraiser is planned for 9 a.m. Sunday at Greenview Park, at the corner of Cherokee Drive and Golfview Drive in Round Lake Beach.

The funeral will take place sometime late next week.