Domestic Violence Tragedy: Ex-Boyfriend of Special Ed Teacher Slain Outside Her Home in Custody After Allegedly Shooting State Trooper in Illinois
The tragic death of Adrianna Lopez, a 37-year-old special education teacher, outside her Garfield Ridge home in Chicago on Sunday night has sent shockwaves through the community. The suspect in her slaying, her ex-boyfriend Cristobal Santana, 37, was taken into custody early Wednesday morning after allegedly shooting an Illinois State Police trooper in Springfield.
The tragedy has brought the issue of domestic violence to the forefront, and the Lopez family is demanding answers as to why the police did not take action to protect Adrianna from her ex-boyfriend.
Adrianna’s sister, Norma Lopez, tearfully remembers her as a “great person” who cared deeply for her family and others. “She was joyful,” said Norma.
Adrianna’s niece, Michelle Martinez, said the family found out about Santana’s arrest through social media and is frustrated about the lack of information they have received from the Chicago Police Department.
State Police said the trooper was “interacted” with Santana around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday in Springfield and during the interaction, shots were fired and the trooper was hit in the leg. Santana fled the scene but was apprehended around 2 a.m. The trooper is in serious condition and Santana was injured and hospitalized, though it is not clear how he was hurt.
The tragedy began when Adrianna and a male friend returned to her home in the 5400 block of South Narragansett Avenue after going out to eat around 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Noel Jaramillo, Adrianna’s brother-in-law, alleges that Santana was there waiting for her and the friend who was with her witnessed the shooting.
Oralia Luis, a resident at the end of the block for over 30 years, said she heard gunshots ring out that evening but thought they may have been fireworks. When she came outside, she saw dozens of neighbors rushing to help Adrianna.
Adrianna died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Adrianna and Santana had dated for about a year and a half before they broke up just three months ago, according to family members. While the family did not see signs of violence while the pair were dating, Jaramillo alleges that Santana kicked in a door while they were arguing around a month ago. At that time, Martinez said she helped her aunt file for an order of protection, though law enforcement agencies could not confirm if an order was in place.
Adrianna did not have children but looked after her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. Martinez fondly remembers her aunt as her best friend and the person she could always count on.
Adrianna had been working as a Chicago Public Schools special education teacher at Nathan S. Davis Elementary School in the Brighton Park neighborhood for about three years.
The Lopez family said they are relieved her ex-boyfriend is in custody and services for Adrianna will be held on Sunday and Monday. The school where Lopez worked also plans to hold a vigil.
Domestic violence remains a serious problem in the United States and Chicago. Last year in Chicago, there were 36 firearm-involved domestic violence homicides and 79 non-fatal domestic violence shootings. The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence is demanding the Illinois General Assembly act on legislation aimed at removing firearms from those accused of domestic violence. Karina’s Bill, named in honor of Karina Gonzelez, who was fatally shot in her Little Village home, would require law enforcement to remove firearms when serving an emergency order of protection.
The tragic death of Adrianna Lopez has shown the devastating effects of domestic violence and the need for greater protections for survivors. We must take steps to ensure that those who are threatened by domestic violence are protected and that perpetrators of domestic violence are held accountable. Adrianna’s family and friends are determined to honor her memory by advocating for change and justice.
