A Chicago mother, Marisol Vázquez, 37, faces first-degree murder charges after confessing to strangling her one-year-old daughter, Lucía Vázquez, in a heartbreaking case that has left the community shocked.
The tragic incident occurred on December 20, 2024, in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, at a residence in the 500 block of North Springfield Avenue. Police arrived at the scene and found Marisol naked and sitting on a bed with Lucía lying unconscious behind her, according to the Chicago Tribune.
First responders attempted to take life-saving measures after discovering that Lucia was cold and not breathing. Water is expelled from the baby’s mouth during resuscitation attempts. She was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
During their investigation, detectives discovered a bathtub filled with water and clogged with clothing. Marisol reportedly made strange statements, claiming she was trapped by electronic devices and stating, “We had to go into the water. “We had to be with nature.”
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide, citing asphyxiation as the primary cause. At a detention hearing on January 4, 2025, Marisol admitted to the crime and claimed that “voices in her head” and the “devil” forced her to kill her son, reports CBS News.
Court documents also revealed that he exhibited suicidal tendencies, including an attempt to drown, which he abandoned to self-harm. Following her arrest, Marisol was evaluated at a hospital for mental health issues.
Judge Susana Ortiz, who is presiding over the case, cited Marisol’s “significant mental health problems” and her inability to control her impulses. The judge emphasized the need to restrict her access to dangerous items and ordered her to remain detained until her next court appearance on January 7.
This tragedy has highlighted concerns about mental health and its role in domestic violence cases. Authorities are still piecing together the events that led to the horrific act. In a community already struggling with violence, this case has struck a chord.
“This is heartbreaking for everyone involved,” said one neighbor, speaking on condition of anonymity. As the case progresses, it underscores the critical need for mental health interventions and the challenges of preventing such devastating incidents.