CHICAGO, IL – A tragic incident unfolded in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago on December 13, when Maria Roque, a 34-year-old woman, was fatally shot in front of her children by her ex-boyfriend, Kenneth Brown, who is now facing murder charges. The shooting occurred just hours before Brown was set to be served with an extended protection order.
According to reports, Roque was shot multiple times in front of her home as her 14-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter watched in horror. The incident took place as she was putting her daughter into a rental car and noticed Brown approaching. Despite her attempts to flee, Brown shot her in the shoulder, chest, and thumb. This came after he had violated an order of protection meant to prevent him from seeing Roque or their daughter.
Just a day before the fatal shooting, a warrant had been issued for Brown’s arrest for violating the protection order. The order had been initially granted after Roque claimed Brown had assaulted her and threatened her life.
Following the tragic event, Brown was arrested on December 29 and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently in custody without bond and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Wednesday.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover the costs of Roque’s funeral, raising nearly $15,000. The fundraiser’s organizer described Roque as a brave mother who had sought to escape a dangerous domestic situation for the safety of her and her children. Brown’s violent behavior had escalated since Roque ended the relationship with him.
The incident has sparked conversations about the effectiveness of protection orders in domestic violence cases, with some arguing that a piece of paper does not provide sufficient protection. The tragic loss of Maria Roque has left her family, friends, and community in mourning, as they remember her love, selflessness, honor, and courage.