A 16-year-old girl was fatally shot at her home in a quiet Chicago suburb, and police are working to identify a suspect in the terrifying case.
Authorities said that sophomore high school student Lilly Bova was killed in the Cook County neighborhood of Glenview around 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, according to the New York Post.
Sheriff’s deputies are currently searching for a person of interest in the case. However, they have only released a few details regarding who may have killed Bova or what may have led to the murder.
“While we cannot share further details at this time, this was an isolated incident and does not appear to pose a risk to the general public,” the Cook County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, per the outlet.
Police have asked that anyone with information regarding Bova’s death contact Cook County Sheriff’s Police detectives at (708) 865-4896.
Bova’s parents spoke out about the tragedy, with her father, Anthony Bova, telling WGN TV, “I never thought she would leave me this soon. She’s an instant angel. The children’s stepfather, Oscar, ran in the room. I’ll never forget this moment. He said, ‘Get up, Lilly’s been shot.’”
The community has been left in shock following Bova’s death, including the teen’s teachers and classmates.
South High School Principal Barbara Georges notified families of Bova’s death in a letter, which also shared information about support services that students can go to as they process the tragedy.
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the loss of sophomore Lilly Bova, who tragically died on Saturday, March 28, while at home. We are keeping her family in our thoughts and respecting their need for privacy as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Georges wrote, per FOX 32 Chicago. “Though Lilly was a quiet spirit, her teachers and those who knew her best said she loved deeply and was bright, positive and mature beyond her years. Her kind-hearted and optimistic nature will be sorely missed.”
She went on to say that “processing a sudden loss is deeply painful and incredibly difficult,” especially for young ones.
Neighbors have also been left in shock over the killing, with some feeling uneasy about the shooter still roaming the streets.
“That’s very scary that the shooter is still out there … I don’t know why they haven’t apprehended him,” neighbor Glenda Vernon told FOX 32 Chicago.
Vernon added that she found the shooting to be both shocking and unsettling.
“This area is so safe. Nothing like this ever happened here,” she said. “I can’t even imagine something like this happened here.”
