Marlen Ochoa-Lopez death: Friends, family mark 20th birthday of slain pregnant woman

Tuesday, November 19, 2019
CHICAGO, Illinois -- Saturday would have marked the 20th birthday of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, the pregnant Chicago teen who was murdered in April.

Her husband, Yovani Lopez, as well as advocates and family members of Ochoa-Lopez participated in a balloon release Saturday.

They released exactly 20 balloons in front of a mural that was painted in her honor in the Pilsen neighborhood.

"She left a footprint in this community," said Emma Lozano, pastor of Lincoln United Methodist Church. "So, we wanted to honor her memory and we wanted to honor that unity, and also her family."

Friends and Family hold balloon release on 20th birthday of murdered pregnant teen, Marlen Ochoa Lopez


Six months ago, the young pregnant woman was murdered, and her unborn child was taken from her womb. She was nine months pregnant at the time.

Police say Clarisa Figueroa, 46, lured Ochoa-Lopez to a home with the promise of free baby clothes. But once she got inside, detectives said Figueroa and her daughter Desiree, 24, strangled Ochoa-Lopez to death and took her baby.

Ochoa-Lopez's baby later died at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

RAW VIDEO: Missing pregnant teen's remains found near Chicago home
RAW VIDEO: Chopper7HD over home where missing pregnant teen's remains found


Both Figueroa and her daughter have been charged in connection with the deaths.

Desiree's boyfriend, Piotr Bobak, is accused of trying to cover up the killing.

All three defendants have pleaded not guilty and remain in custody without bond.

Ochoa-Lopez's husband said he's looking forward to getting justice for his wife and child as the court date nears.

The family is asking for the community to keep a close eye on the case to make sure the offenders get the punishment they deserve.

"We have to do whatever it is in our power and get all witnesses out there," said the family's attorney, Frank Avila. "I do not believe this is a closed case."

PREVIOUS COVERAGE
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez baby death: Clarisa, Desiree Figueroa plead not guilty
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez death: Mother, daughter charged with murder in baby's death
Artist unites murdered pregnant teen mom and baby on Pilsen memorial mural
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez's family outraged after state clears hospital in her baby's case
Christ Medical Center acted properly in Marlen Ochoa-Lopez baby case, investigation finds
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez death: Baby of murdered pregnant Chicago woman dies, family spokesperson says
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez death: 3 suspects in murder of pregnant Chicago woman formally indicted
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez baby: Family gets 2nd opinion on infant's prognosis
Family, community says final goodbye to Marlen Ochoa-Lopez
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez's visitation continues Friday; Murdered woman's baby remains hospitalized
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez Death: Murdered Pilsen woman's family arrives in Chicago, visits baby in hospital
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez Death:'We can still find hope': Artist creates mural of murdered Pilsen woman
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez Death: Murdered Pilsen woman's family arrives for funeral, health department investigating Christ Medical Center
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez's family seeks answers why authorities were not alerted to Figueroa
DCFS, police not alerted to Marlen Ochoa-Lopez death suspect despite no signs of giving birth, officials say
Funeral set for murdered pregnant woman Marlen Ochoa-Lopez
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez death: 3 charged in murder of pregnant Chicago woman denied bond
Marlen Ochoa-Lopez death: 3 charged in murder of Chicago missing pregnant woman, 19, on Southwest Side
Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.