CHICAGO, IL – Following a tragic domestic dispute in Austin earlier this month, the ex-boyfriend of a woman who was fatally shot has been charged with her slaying. Kenneth Brown, 44, was taken into custody on Friday in the 3100 block of West Harrison Street and has been charged with first-degree murder, according to the Chicago police.
The victim, Maria Roque, 34, was shot and killed while outside in the 500 block of North Long Avenue around 6:20 a.m. on December 13th. She was rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest and later pronounced dead. Prior to the shooting, Roque had been granted an emergency order of protection against Brown. Court records show that the order of protection was extended on two separate occasions, one of which was the morning of the shooting.
According to the petition for an order of protection, Brown had a history of physical altercations and threatening behavior towards Roque. He had also been prohibited from contacting her in any way and from taking their 8-year-old daughter from her care.
The suspect had been sought by the police prior to his arrest, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Sunday. The tragic incident underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgency of effective legal measures to protect victims. The arrest of the suspect brings a glimmer of hope for justice for Maria Roque and her loved ones.
In summary, following a domestic dispute in Austin, Kenneth Brown, the ex-boyfriend of the victim, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Maria Roque. The victim had previously been granted an emergency order of protection against the suspect, underscoring the urgency of effective legal measures to protect victims of domestic violence.