A Chicago family is left devastated and searching for answers after their 19-year-old daughter, Cierra Evans, was found dead in an alleyway on the city’s East Side. The family is now urging law enforcement and the public to help find the person responsible for her tragic death.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Cierra Evans had just turned 19 years old when her life was abruptly and violently taken away. Described by her family as a loving and joyful individual, Evans was close to her siblings and fiercely devoted to her parents. She was also a hardworking young woman, holding a job with UPS. Her family expressed shock and heartbreak at her sudden loss, with one relative emphasizing, “No matter what the person did, they never deserve to be gunned down like that, especially not the youngest, a whole baby, 19 years old.” Evans had big dreams for the future, including hopes of becoming a mother one day. Those dreams were tragically cut short.
The Discovery of Evans’ Body
On Friday night, Evans worked a double shift before returning home late. Her neighbor, Cloudy Romo, who also came home late that night, said she didn’t notice anything unusual in the dark alleyway behind her house. It wasn’t until the next morning, more than nine hours after Evans was believed to have been shot, that her body was discovered. A neighbor living nearby found Evans’ body in the alley on the 9500 block of South Avenue N and immediately called 911.
Jose Vazquez, another neighbor, was the one who first made the chilling discovery. He was in his garage feeding stray cats when he noticed something alarming on the ground. Upon further inspection, he realized it was Evans’ lifeless body. Despite his own heart condition, Vazquez said he knew he needed to get help right away, so he contacted authorities.
Evidence of the Shooting
Investigators believe the shooting occurred shortly before midnight on Friday. Officers recovered several spent shell casings from Romo’s yard, indicating that multiple shots had been fired through her fence. Romo expressed deep concern for the safety of her own children, one of whom is just a year younger than Evans. Fearing for their well-being, she sent her children away until she feels it’s safe for them to return. Romo described the aftermath of the incident as overwhelming and frightening. “I still don’t know how to feel. It’s scary, it’s overwhelming, and it’s stressful,” she said.
The police response to the scene was massive, but by the time they arrived, more than nine hours had passed since the shooting likely occurred. Authorities have yet to make an arrest, and the family is desperate for justice.
The Family’s Plea for Answers
Cierra Evans’ family is struggling to come to terms with her tragic and senseless death. They are heartbroken and in need of closure. As they begin planning her funeral, their thoughts are focused on finding the person responsible for taking away their beloved daughter and sister. “We need to know what happened because we need justice,” a family member said.
The circumstances surrounding Evans’ death remain unclear. Chicago police have asked for the public’s assistance in the investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. Officers believe that more evidence could be uncovered with the help of local residents who may have witnessed or heard something on the night of the shooting.
Community Response
The local community has also been deeply affected by the tragedy. Romo, who laid a candle in honor of Evans near the alley where her body was found, said that the story has touched her heart, even though she didn’t personally know the victim. “She was just starting her life, and to have it ripped away like that is heartbreaking,” Romo added. She, along with others in the neighborhood, is now grappling with fear and anxiety about the safety of the area following the shooting.
In the aftermath of the incident, 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico extended his condolences to Evans’ family. “I am saddened by this tragic incident. This was a young woman who had her life ahead of her,” Chico wrote. He pledged to work closely with the Chicago Police Department as they move forward in the investigation. “My heart goes out to her family, and I will be working with the Chicago Police Department to ensure justice is served.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the investigation remains open, and no suspects have been identified. Authorities continue to process evidence and follow up on leads. Investigators have asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Chicago Police Department. Meanwhile, Evans’ family and friends are left to grieve the loss of a young woman whose life was filled with promise.
The family has expressed hope that those responsible for Evans’ death will be brought to justice. As they navigate the overwhelming pain of losing a loved one, their focus remains on finding answers and ensuring that such a senseless tragedy does not happen again.
