Belinda M. Fuentes Herrera, 19, was fatally shot on January 16, 2025, while driving through an alley in the 2000 block of West 47th Street in the New City neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. She suffered gunshot wounds to the face and chest; her vehicle rolled about 50 feet before crashing. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities say Trevon Smith, 18, has been identified as the suspect. Fuentes Herrera and Smith had an on-and-off relationship since 2022. A nearby witness reported hearing gunfire and seeing a man in dark clothing and white shoes with his arm inside the vehicle. Investigators recovered five shell casings that matched the 9-millimeter pistol officers say Smith was carrying when they took him into custody; he fled on foot after the shooting and later called 911 to confess.

Smith was charged with first-degree murder and detained pending trial. Family members described Fuentes Herrera as a hardworking, religious young woman who managed a business, attended church with her father and hoped to marry and move abroad. Her parents, sister and two younger brothers have launched a fundraiser in her memory.

If anyone knew Belinda, her routines, friends or movements that night, please share what you know with investigators.