Lakeview burglary injures 77-year-old woman, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 77-year-old woman was injured during a burglary in the city's Lakeview neighborhood, police said. Police are questioning three persons of interest in connection to the home invasion as Area North Detectives continue to investigate.

Police responded to the call in the 3600-block of North Magnolia around 6 a.m. Saturday and found the building's rear door ajar, officials said. The woman was found inside with injuries to her head and face. She was transported to a local hospital, where her condition has stabilized. Relatives say Joanne Signa remains in intensive care after two or three men beat her.

"She's doing stable right now," says Joe Cali, the victim's nephew. "They beat her up pretty bad. We're very concerned. She's holding her on. She's conscious."

Neighbors say she was attacked after being awakened by the burglars. An upstairs tenant in the building called 911 for help after the men kicked in the door to her rental unit. Officers arrived to find the offenders had already fled the scene.

Relatives said the burglars fled in the victim's Honda Accord, and that it is the same car that crashed on the Dan Ryan at 71st Saturday morning. Chicago Police News Affairs confirmed the stolen car was involved in the crash, but say Illinois State Police are investigating the crash while CPD investigates the burglary and beating.

"We kinda thought that, we understood if they stole it or pushed her down. But do this is above and beyond. It wasn't worth it," said Cali.

There has been an outpouring of support for Signa, who was both a longtime neighborhood resident and an active member of her church. Parishioners at St. Andrew Catholic Church are keeping Signa in their prayers.

"It's very important to not only pray for Joanne but also for the people who did," said fellow parishioner Jennifer Smith. "Forgiveness is the key."