Man charged with fatally shooting pregnant woman before dragging her body into Chatham alley

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A man accused of murdering a pregnant woman on Chicago's South Side earlier this year will remain in custody leading up to his trial, a judge ruled on Saturday.

Chicago police said 26-year-old Dontrell Anderson was taken into custody in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on Friday before being extradited to Chicago. He has been charged with murder and concealing a homicide.

Investigators said Anderson strangled and fatally shot 24-year-old Itzel Camarena in her face as she visited him at his family's Chatham apartment in the 8200 block of South Vernon Avenue on Feb. 18. Family members said Camarena was six months pregnant when she was killed.

Prosecutors said Anderson shot Camarena on a couch, adding that they have surveillance video of him dragging her body, which was wrapped in a white sheet, out to the alley. Police also recovered a bloody couch cushion, but never said if any weapons were found.

Camarena's body was discovered around 9 a.m. that Sunday between two trash cans near Anderson's family's home.

During a Saturday hearing, a Cook County judge ruled that Anderson is a public safety risk.

Meanwhile, Camarena's family left court one step closer to getting justice, but still with many unanswered questions.

"What this individual did is so not fair. Why would he do this to somebody?" said Juanita Sanchez, Camarena's aunt.

Camarena's family said she and Anderson went to high school together.

In court, Anderson's public defender said he admits to being in the apartment and knowing the victim, but denies committing the murder.

"Based on the evidence they have, my daughter will get her justice. She will get her justice," said Vanessa Sanchez, Camarena's mother.

Relatives said Camarena was excited about motherhood, and dreamed of one day starting a cosmetics business. Those dreams are now left unrealized.

Camarena's family said they have been devastated by her loss.

Anderson is due back in court on April 9.

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