Tomiko Ellis, 28, was killed in Chicago on July 17, 2009. Her death occurred during a year when the city was experiencing an uptick in homicides, especially in neighborhoods facing economic and social challenges. Police records show many such killings clustered in disadvantaged areas where tensions and retaliatory violence were reported.

The case is recorded in the Chicago Police Department’s CLEAR system and exemplifies obstacles investigators faced then: lack of witness cooperation and complex community dynamics that slowed progress. Broader efforts by police and community groups were underway in 2009, but gaps in cooperation and systemic issues made solving many homicides difficult.

If anyone knew Tomiko, was present that night, or has information that could help, please come forward.