Teen boy charged with murder in death of 16-year-old girl in East Garfield Park: Chicago police
Victim's family claims Chicago police responded to 911 call at Horan Park but did not get out of their vehicle
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 15-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend at a park on the West Side last week, Chicago police said Monday.
The teen fatally stabbed and beat up 16-year-old Kaylah Love, who was found dead last Monday at Horan Park, in the 3000-block of West Van Buren Street, CPD said.
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The boy was arrested by members of the Area Four Homicide Investigative Support Team on Sunday in the 4000-block of West Barry Avenue, police said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office determined Love's death to be a homicide, with the cause being multiple injuries from an assault.
A Cook County prosecutor alleges the boy was holding hands with Love leaving the McDonald's at Roosevelt Road and Kedzie Avenue on March 16, and minutes later he allegedly attacked Love at Horan Park, a few blocks away.
Prosecutors say a witness to the attack identified the boy, and surveillance video tracked the boy from the park to his home. After executing a search warrant, police recovered clothing he was seen wearing on March 16.
Prosecutors also said the boy's encrypted social media handle was listed in Love's phone as "boyfriend."
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It's alleged the boy hit her in the face, and continued to attack her on the ground with his feet and a glass bottle.
Last week, Love's family said police were called to Horan Park after a report of a fight in the park. The family claims police drove by the area, but did not get out of the vehicle.
The next day, Love's family said she was found badly beaten in that same park.
City officials confirmed Sunday night the officers that were called to the scene, and how they handled the case is being investigated.
The boy charged appeared in Cook County Juvenile Court for the first time Monday, and was ordered to remain in custody due to the alleged violent attack.
He is due back in court April 16.
A vigil was held for Love on Sunday afternoon at the East Garfield Park site, where she was found dead.
The beloved 16-year-old Manley Career Academy High School student planned to pursue a career in culinary arts.
Her family declined to comment on the charges Monday, but did thank those who helped lead police to the arrest.
