Melissa Azul De La Garza was 18 when she was shot and killed on September 25, 2021, in front of her home on Chicago’s southwest side. She had just returned from shopping for Halloween costumes with her mother and was sitting in her car when she was struck seven times. A nearby ShotSpotter device alerted police to the shooting.

Family described Melissa, known as Azul, as a talented artist and a promising student who had just graduated high school and planned to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago on a scholarship. Her father, Jose De La Garza, called her his warrior princess and mourned the loss of her bright future. The shooting occurred amid a weekend that saw at least eight people killed in Chicago.

Chicago police investigated and in November 2021 arrested a 16-year-old boy, charging him with first-degree murder; his name was not released because of his age. The family continues to seek answers and justice. If anyone knew Melissa or has information about the shooting, please come forward.