Police Believe Murdered South Side Family Was Targeted

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago Police believe the six family members slain in their Gage Park home on Chicago’s South Side lost their lives in a “targeted incident,” but the nature of that incident still eludes investigators.

Police are not ruling out murder-suicide, but the nature of the injuries suffered by all six family members suggests each met a brutal, bloody end and the Cook County Medical Examiner has ruled all the deaths homicides.

Five died of stab wounds, including two children. One was shot several times.

“Everything from a domestic incident, possible robbery or even possibly something nefarious that could have targeted the family is being explored,” Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi advised the Chicago Tribune via email Saturday. “We don’t believe there are any threats to the community based on the physical state of scene and lack of intelligence to support that this was a random incident.”

Police are delving into the backgrounds of the family members to look for unusual behaviors or relationships that may be revealing.

The Cook County Medical Examiner officially confirmed the family’s identities on Saturday:

• Rosaura Martinez, 58, and her husband, Noe Martinez Sr., 62
• Noe Martinez Jr., 38, their son
• Maria Herminia Martinez, 32, their daughter
• Leonardo Cruz, 13, and Alexis Cruz, 10, Maria’s sons

Maria Herminia Martinez was shot to death. Fox 32 Chicago reports that a police source said she had recently gone through a rough breakup with a boyfriend.

The scene inside the home was a “bloody mess,” according to the officer who first arrived on the scene.

The family dog, Peluza, was still inside. Officers retrieved the pup and he’s now in the care of neighbors, who say the dog still quivers in fear.

Fox 32 Chicago reports that a source said one of the women was found in a kneeling position as if pleading or in prayer.

Neighbors are petrified even though 8th District Police have added extra patrols to the area and have said they don’t believe there is a danger to the community.

“I don’t know who had the heart to do this that kind of, you know, heartless people,” said neighbor Hugo Lopez.

“Well it’s terrifying, my kids would play with their kids and I mean they didn’t want to go to sleep last night, they were afraid, they’re thinking what if they come to us next,” neighbor Monica Arias told Fox.

The remains will be sent to Mexico for burial. Family members have been raising money through a GoFundMe account to assist with funeral expenses. As of Saturday night, more than $24,000 has been donated, more than twice the amount requested.