CHICAGO, IL – A senseless act of gun violence has left a family grieving the tragic loss of 19-year-old Belinda Fuentes. The young woman was shot 13 times near the intersection of 47th and Damen in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood on the evening of January 16, 2025. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, Belinda was pronounced dead.

The Incident: A Life Cut Short

According to police reports, Belinda Fuentes was shot multiple times by an unidentified gunman on the 2000 block of West 47th Street, an area that has seen its share of violent crime in recent months. She was struck by a barrage of gunfire, suffering 13 gunshot wounds in what investigators believe to have been a targeted attack. Paramedics arrived shortly after the shooting but could not save Belinda’s life.

Authorities have not yet released details on the possible motive or the identity of the suspect involved in the shooting. However, the incident has raised questions about the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago’s neighborhoods, especially those like Back of the Yards, where many residents feel caught in a cycle of crime and violence.

Remembering Belinda Fuentes

Belinda is being remembered by her family as a bright and loving young woman with big dreams. She was known for her kindness, ambition, and positive energy, which she shared with everyone she met. Her family described her as someone who was always looking forward to the future, dreaming of a life full of opportunity and happiness.

Belinda had plans to marry and eventually move to another country in search of a better life. She wanted to escape the hardships she saw in her community and build a future free of violence. Tragically, those dreams were cut short by an act of senseless violence.

“She was full of life, she had so many plans,” said one family member. “She was such a loving daughter, sister, and friend. This is just heartbreaking.”

Belinda leaves behind her parents, a sister, and two younger brothers, all of whom are struggling to cope with her sudden and violent death. Her family expressed how much they will miss her presence, her laughter, and her dreams. They said that her death has left a void in their lives that can never be filled.

Belinda’s Stance on Gun Violence

One of the most poignant aspects of Belinda’s life was her strong stance against violence, particularly gun violence. She openly spoke out against the harmful impact of weapons in her community and expressed how much she hated anything that promoted violence. Her family believes that had it not been for gun violence, Belinda’s life would have been filled with the opportunities she dreamed of, far from the reach of the tragic fate she met.

“She was always saying how much she hated seeing violence on the streets, how she wanted to live a peaceful life,” said her mother. “It’s just so cruel that it was the violence that took her from us.”

GoFundMe Set Up for Funeral Expenses

In light of this devastating loss, a GoFundMe page has been established to help cover the costs of Belinda’s funeral and to support her grieving family. The funds raised will go toward giving Belinda the proper memorial she deserves and assisting her loved ones during this difficult time. Belinda’s family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the community, noting that the kindness they’ve received is helping them get through this unimaginable loss.

For those wishing to contribute, the GoFundMe page link has been shared by her family and can be found in the comments section of this post.

The Community Responds

Belinda’s death has left the Back of the Yards community in mourning. Local leaders and residents have expressed their outrage over yet another senseless shooting. Many have called for stronger efforts to address the root causes of violence in the area, including poverty, lack of opportunities, and the easy access to firearms. GoFundMe

Community activists have also reiterated their calls for justice for Belinda. “This violence has to stop,” said one local organizer. “We need to make sure that people like Belinda, young people with so much potential, aren’t taken from us like this.”

A Call for Justice

As of now, police have not identified any suspects in Belinda’s death. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the area, as well as speaking with witnesses who may have seen or heard something related to the incident. The family is hoping for a swift resolution to the case, but they also want to ensure that Belinda’s death is not just another statistic in a city grappling with gun violence.

The Impact of Gun Violence on Families

The tragic shooting of Belinda Fuentes highlights the devastating effect that gun violence has on families and communities. In many cases, the families of victims are left with an overwhelming sense of loss and an enduring grief that is impossible to overcome. In Belinda’s case, her family is struggling not only with the loss of a beloved daughter and sister but also with the senseless nature of her death.

“Why her? Why did this have to happen?” her father asked in an emotional statement. “She was a beautiful soul, with so much love to give. She didn’t deserve this.”

The Fuentes family’s plea for justice echoes the cries of many families affected by violence, and their grief is felt across the city of Chicago. As they come to terms with Belinda’s death, her family hopes that her story will serve as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of putting an end to the violence that continues to plague many communities.

Conclusion: Honoring Belinda’s Memory

Though Belinda’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy will live on through the love and memories of those who knew her best. Her family, friends, and supporters will continue to honor her memory and ensure that her story is not forgotten. They hold on to the hope that her dreams of a better, safer future will one day become a reality for those who remain in her community.

In the wake of this devastating loss, the Fuentes family is asking for support from the community to help them get through this difficult time. As they mourn the loss of their daughter and sister, they find comfort in knowing that Belinda’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her.

A Call for Peace

Belinda Fuentes may no longer be with us, but her life will continue to inspire those who knew her. As her family and community continue to grieve, they remain steadfast in their desire to see an end to the gun violence that took Belinda’s life too soon. GoFundMe