Daniela Alvarez was a 15-year-old freshman from Chicago’s Little Village who was killed on the evening of July 2, 2023. She was sitting on the living room couch with her mother, Karina Gonzalez, when Daniela’s father, 67-year-old Jose Alvarez, retrieved a Glock 9mm handgun and shot them. Karina was found at the scene with eight gunshot wounds; Daniela was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital and pronounced dead after being shot twice. An 18-year-old brother, Jesus Emmanuel Alvarez, was hiding under a table and was shot in the ankle but escaped and called 911.

The family had a documented history of domestic abuse and substance problems. Karina and the children had obtained an order of protection less than two weeks earlier; the order had not been served to Jose, so his FOID card and firearm were not removed. Jose was arrested at the house and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated discharge of a firearm; he was held without bail. The case highlighted failures in firearm removal procedures and prompted a legislative effort that resulted in Karina’s Law in February 2025.

Does anyone have information about Daniela’s life in Little Village or the events that led up to that night?