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Congressman García’s Statement on the Developments in the Investigation of the Shooting that Killed Melissa Ortega

January 26, 2022

Congressman García's Statement on the Developments in the Investigation of the Shooting that Killed Melissa Ortega

CHICAGO, IL — Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL- 04), issued the following statement about the apprehension of two suspects linked to the tragic killing of eight-year-old Melissa Ortega:

"Since the tragic death of Melissa Ortega, we have seen the resilience and strength of Little Village. A community wrapped its arms around a mother experiencing the greatest pain, losing a child. No parent should have to live through the horror of losing a child. In the past week, I heard anger and outrage in the voices of my neighbors, calling for change. I echo their call for justice and accountability."

"Today, we learned that the police have two suspects in custody. I applaud the swiftness of the investigation and urge for the same level of attention for so many unsolved cases like Melissa's. Their apprehension will never bring Melissa back to her family, but it provides some relief to a grieving community.

"Melissa's tragic death is a reminder of how we have failed our youth and find ourselves at a moral crossroads – it is unfathomable to see children killing children. We must dismantle the system of organized crime that preys on our children and our communities while our neighborhoods are starved for resources. I have lived in Little Village for more than five decades and can attest to the invaluable efforts led by faith-based leaders, organizations, parents, and youth to bring an end to violence, but that alone is not enough.

"This tragedy is a call to action: we demand substantive, targeted investments in our city and in suffering communities across the country to combat the epidemic of violence. From access to affordable housing, jobs, and mental health care, to greater investment in violence prevention, youth workforce development, and education, it will take more than our little village to raise a child – our Chicagoland community, the state of Illinois, and the full force of our federal government must take responsibility."

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