Marlen Ochoa-Lopez's family seeks answers why authorities were not alerted to Figueroa

Monday, May 20, 2019
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Just days before her funeral, the family of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez met with hospital staff where the murdered woman's newborn remains on life support.

Monday night, Ochoa Lopez's demanded answers from Advocate Christ Medical Center.

The family was shocked and distraught to find that hospital staff did not contact authorities after determining that Clarisa Figueroa had not given birth to a gravely ill newborn baby she claimed was hers.

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Police said the 46-year-old showed up to the hospital with the infant after she killed the pregnant teenager and removed the child from the womb.

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The infant, named Yadeil, remains on life support and is surrounded by family who continue to believe he is strong enough to pull through.

According to the Department of Children and Family Services, the hospital contacted the agency on May 9, more than two weeks after Figueroa first checked into the hospital.

Both Oak Lawn Police and Chicago police said they were never contacted by hospital staff and do not know the hospital's policy.

At this time Advocate Christ Medical Center will not comment on the ongoing investigation, but said they are cooperating with authorities.

"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Ochoa-Lopez family. Our clinical team is committed to meeting regularly with patients and families to ensure there is open dialogue about treatment paths. Out of respect for the family's privacy, we are unable to comment on the specific content covered during our time together," the hospital said in a statement.

The Cook County Sheriff's Department released a statement, saying, "We will ask DCFS to advise if this unspeakably tragic set of facts was reportable by a mandated reporter. If they determine it was, we will ensure it is immediately investigated."

The League of United Latin American Citizens said they would be filing a complaint on behalf of the family against the Chicago Police Department for the way the family was treated, alleging police did not take them seriously during their investigation into Ochoa-Lopez's disappearance.

Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi released a statement Monday evening, saying:

"What happened to Ms. Ochoa was senseless and the offenders responsible are barbaric cowards. Since her initial disappearance, detectives worked this case thoroughly and we were all devastated to learn what happened. We can't help but take these cases personally and cannot begin to imagine the immense grief and suffering this family must be feeling. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family and we will ensure that any complaint filed against the department is investigated independently and thoroughly."

WATCH: Mural memorializes young, pregnant mother killed from East Pilsen
Mural of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez memorializes young pregnant mother killed


A new memorial on Chicago's South Side honors the young pregnant mother killed and her baby removed from her womb.

A mural of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez is now up on the overpass at South Newberry and 16th Street in the East Pilsen neighborhood.

Artist Milton Coronado painted the likeness of the 19-year-old woman who had lived in that neighborhood.

Marlen Ochoa-Lopez's funeral is this coming Saturday at Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Stickney. Visitation will be held on Thursday and Friday.

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