Chicago Mother Charged with Murder in Death of 1-Year-Old Daughter in Humboldt Park

Marisol Vazquez, 37, pictured here following her arrest on Thursday, is charged in connection with the death of Lucia Arevala on December 20, 2024.

Chicago Woman Charged in Death of 1-Year-Old Daughter in Humboldt Park

A Chicago woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the tragic death of her 1-year-old daughter in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Marisol Vazquez, 37, was arrested on Thursday for the death of Lucia Arevala, which occurred on December 20, 2024.

According to police, detectives were called to Vazquez's residence in the 500 block of North Springfield Avenue for a death investigation. Reports suggested that Lucia may have been drowned in a bathtub. Upon arrival, officers found Vazquez sitting naked on her bed with Lucia's lifeless body behind her. The baby was unresponsive, cold to the touch, and not breathing.

While paramedics attempted to revive the child, water began to come out of Lucia's mouth. Detectives discovered the bathtub full of water, clogged with clothing, further complicating the investigation.

Disturbing Statements and Mental Health Concerns

During questioning, Vazquez reportedly made incoherent statements, claiming she was "trapped by electronics" and saying, "We had to go in the water. We had to be with nature." She was transported to Ascension St. Mary Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

According to investigators, Vazquez's husband revealed that she had apologized for suffocating their daughter. Later, Vazquez confessed to using a white bedsheet to suffocate Lucia, telling detectives that "voices in her head" instructed her to kill herself and her daughter to prevent the devil from harming Lucia.

Vazquez also admitted to trying to drown herself but failed and resorted to self-harm.

Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Evaluation

At her initial court appearance on Saturday, Vazquez was ordered to remain in custody at Cook County Jail while awaiting trial. The judge also mandated a mental health evaluation during her detention.

The investigation continues, and Vazquez is due back in court on Tuesday. Authorities have yet to comment further on the case as they assess her mental health and prepare for the upcoming trial.

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