Chicago Mother Fatally Shot by Ex-Boyfriend Hours Before Court Hearing

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• Maria Roque, a 34-year-old mother from Chicago, was fatally shot in front of her children by her ex-boyfriend.
• The shooting occurred hours before a court was to extend a protection order against the ex-boyfriend, Kenneth Brown.
• Brown, charged with first-degree murder, had previously violated a protection order and displayed escalating violence.

Maria Roque, a 34-year-old Chicago resident, was tragically shot dead in front of her two children, aged 14 and 8, on December 13.

This horrific incident took place right in front of her home in the Austin neighborhood. The suspect, her ex-boyfriend Kenneth Brown, 44, approached Roque as she was placing her daughter into a rental car. Despite her attempts to escape, Brown shot Roque multiple times, hitting her in the shoulder, chest, and thumb.

The tragedy unfolded just hours before a court was due to extend a protection order against Brown. This order was initially put in place following Roque's reports of Brown's aggressive behavior, including a threat to set her car on fire. Despite the protection order, Brown's violent tendencies escalated after Roque ended their relationship.

A day before the shooting, an arrest warrant was issued for Brown for violating the existing order. However, the extended protection order, granted hours after Roque's murder, proved futile in safeguarding her. Brown was arrested on December 29 and charged with first-degree murder.

The case highlights a grave issue in domestic violence situations, where legal measures like protection orders often fall short in providing actual safety. Roque's family, including her twin brother Andres, expressed their profound grief and shock. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to cover Roque's funeral expenses, and her bravery and motherly love are being honored. Brown is currently in custody without bond, with further court proceedings pending.

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