Community Corner
Mother Remembers Girl, 15, Killed By Stray Bullet As 'Sweet, Loving'
A stray bullet fired outside a home in Round Lake Beach went inside and killed Valeria Rodriguez, 15.
ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL — The mother of Valeria Rodriguez — the 15-year-old girl killed by a stray bullet in Round Lake Beach last week —is remembering her daughter as sweet and loving.
"My daughter was a sweet, loving daughter who did not deserve to lose her life in this way," Yerele Gallardo, Rodriguez's mother, wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the family. "God will reward her."
Rodriguez's mother and her husband do not have a jobs, Gallardo wrote.
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"No one is prepared for these moments. I hope God touches your heart and your good will to help us in this painful moment," she wrote.
Donations have been pouring in for the family. The GoFundMe, which was set up four days ago, has surpassed its $14,000 goal. As of Tuesday, more than $15,000 has been raised.
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Rodriguez was an "excellent student" at Round Lake High School, according to her obituary. Her "maturity and willingness to help were evident in her academic achievements and her dedication to her studies," according to her obituary.
"Her infectious smile and friendly demeanor made her a beloved figure among her peers and teachers alike," the obituary read.
Rodriguez died Wednesday night when a stray bullet fired from outside a home in the 1500 block of Cherokee Drive in Round Lake Beach went inside and hit and killed her. Police recovered a semi-automatic pistol from a home in the 1400 block of Kildeer Drive, Round Lake Beach and determined Shorbonia Poole, Jr., 19, possessed the firearm that was used in the homicide, police said.
Preliminary analysis of the pistol shows it discharged the shell casing, which was found outside of Rodriguez’ home, authorities said.
Poole has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
More via GoFundMe and Rodriguez's obituary.
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