The Family of a 15-year-old Girl Killed by a Stray Bullet Reacts to the News That the Attacker Has Been Caught

Round Lake Beach, Illinois — The family of Valeria Rodriguez is still trying to raise money for her funeral, and cops say they have arrested a man in connection with her death toll.

Even though charges haven’t been brought yet, cops say they found a gun at the suspect’s house, which is only a short walk from Valeria’s.

The family of the 15-year-old who was killed told WGN News that they feel some relief now that the accused killer is dead.

Betzaida Garcia, Valeria’s aunt, said, “I think the mom is a lot more at ease now that the person who hurt their daughter is in jail, and we will now try to get justice for her.”

Valeria was killed by a stray bullet in her Round Lake Beach home Wednesday night while she was eating dinner with her sister. She would have been in her second year of high school.

“A lot of people set off fireworks, but that wasn’t one,” said Alfredo Duenas, a neighbor.

At this point, investigators say they don’t think Valeria was the planned target and that the shooting that killed her seems to have been random. The suspect was caught after police searched his home with a warrant.

Somebody who did not want to be named told WGN News, “That’s scary because we never thought that someone like that would live close to us.”

Even though they are still looking for answers, Valeria’s family said they are focused on honoring her life and getting money for her surprise funeral.

Garcia said, “Everything from the GoFundMe that was set up will go to her funeral.” “To get even more money for her parents, we’ll also hold a fundraiser at the park next to her house.”

The family says the big event will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday in Round Lake Beach’s Greenview Park, which is on the corner of Cherokee Drive and Golfview Drive.

There will be a funeral sometime late next week.