Family fears body found in South Side trash can is that of missing woman; activists call for answers
The case has sparked concern among residents and community activists.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are investigating after a woman was found dead in a garbage can Saturday evening in the Englewood neighborhood.
Police were called to an alley near Union Avenue and 54th Street, where the woman's body was discovered, according to information provided in the report.
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The case has sparked concern among residents and community activists.
"It's just diabolical to me," said Jasmine Smith of the Chicago Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression.
Troy Gaston of Black Lives Matter Chicago said news of the death prompted him to take action.
"To hear about this death right here just made me stop and come out here and try and find a way where we can see justice for her and her family," Gaston said.
Authorities have not officially identified the victim. However, the family of Zenobia Weatherspoon fears the woman may be her. According to the report, Weatherspoon's mother said she had been missing for three weeks.
Smith called for accountability in the case.
"Who done this to this Black woman? Who done this?" Smith said. "She is somebody's child. She's somebody's aunt. She's somebody's sister. Her life matters, and people need to understand that."
Illinois state Sen. Lakesia Collins, who said she knows Weatherspoon, described the case as personal.
"It is very personal for me," Collins said.
Collins said she is troubled by the death and by other unresolved cases involving missing or murdered women of color.
"This is one that I don't understand at all, but there's many Zenobias around this city around this state and all across this country, and I don't want this case or any other case to unresolved," Collins said.
As the investigation continues, Collins urged anyone with information or images related to the case to contact police. Chicago police have not released additional details about the investigation.
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