Slain Teen's Mom To Speak On Violence In Teen Dating

NEW LENOX, IL — The mother of a 15-year-old girl who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2014 wants to offer parents and adults guidance on navigating teen dating violence.

Alicia Guerrero, mother of Briana Valle, will be the featured speaker at an event organized by the Village of New Lenox and the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition. Valle died after being shot by her ex-boyfriend Erick Maya, who prosecutors said became enraged when Valle broke off their relationship. Maya shot both Valle and Guerrero in front of the family's Romeoville home. He was later convicted and sentenced to 122 years in prison.

Guerrero will speak at the presentation called Teen Dating Violence: What Trusted Adults Should Know. Set for Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the presentation will be held via Zoom, and is free to attend. Those interested as asked to RSVP via Eventbrite, and a Zoom link will be provided.

Other speakers will include Jenny Guiney, Groundwork Community Outreach Supervisor, Guardian Angel Community Services. Guiney will define teen dating violence, discuss the different types of domestic violence relationships, define abusive behavior, explain why some victims remain in abusive relationships, share myths surrounding domestic violence and provide information regarding available resources.

Marie Goulet, LCSW and Lead Social Worker for New Lenox School District 122 will discuss the effects that social media has on teens, provide a school perspective on teen dating violence and share information regarding available resources.

Additional questions regarding this presentation may be directed to Daniel Martin, Safe Community Coordinator, Village of New Lenox, at dmartin@newlenox.net or
(815) 462-6493.