PILSEN — After she was fatally shot last weekend, a Pilsen woman's friends and co-workers will canvass the neighborhood Saturday in hopes of uncovering information that leads to her killer.
With help from Chicago Police and Cook County Crime Stoppers, more than 30 of Aaren O'Connor's friends will pass out flyers at 11:30 a.m. Saturday near the site where she was killed in the 2000 W. block of 21st Street.
About 6:40 p.m. Feb. 5, O'Connor, 25, was seated inside of her 2009 gray Honda Civic at 2046 W. 21st St. talking to her sister and dad on the phone when she was fatally struck by gunfire. Details about the shooter are unknown, but police did recover one firearm from the scene.
O'Connor was a compassionate woman with a giving spirit who volunteered at the local library teaching English to people of Spanish and Japanese descent, said George McDade, Crime Stoppers chairman.
"To all that knew and loved her, this unspeakable tragedy has left them in the tight grips of utter despair and disbelief," McDade said. “This callous act has left us pleading to the community for their help in finding out why this young lady’s life had to end. We are asking everyone to get involved and help us get answers for Aaren’s family."
A $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest is now being offered, according to Chicago Police.
Chicago Police believe she was not the intended target of the shooting. No arrests have been made as the investigation is still ongoing, said Officer Thomas Sweeney, a Chicago Police spokesman.
Area Central detectives have secured and are now reviewing private and CTA video footage from the area. Police continue to seek other video footage or information to help them identify the shooter. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 312-747-8380 and is asked to reference case number HZ-141818.
Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-535-7867.
Friends of O'Connor said she's an innocent victim of Chicago's increasing gun violence.
Co-workers have started a GoFundMe to help support O'Connor's family. Any leftover funds will be put toward a memorial in her honor, Wilkov said. Friends and family have raised over $34,000 as of Friday afternoon.
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