Residents March For Justice

Heriberto Quiroz
Published: November 5, 2009

Local residents held a vigil for Martha Gonzalez at the corner of 18th and Halsted on Tuesday. On Oct 13th Martha was struck by a car on the busy intersection of Halsted and 17th Street. Martha was walking westbound when a "Chevrolet Lumina" struck her, and seconds later was struck again by a CTA bus going northbound.

Martha Gonzalez was a mother of two children, 19-year-old Marco (who I have the privilege of knowing from High School at Benito Juarez) and 4-year-old Maximiliano. Martha attended Columbia College for two semesters and had been looking forward to brighter days, according to Marco.

Alejandro Reyes lighting a candle to honor his friend.

Heriberto Quiroz

Photo By:Heriberto Quiroz : Alejandro Reyes lighting a candel to honor his friend.

Pilsen residents marched for more traffic safety and justice for Martha Gonzalez. The march was led by Father Brendan Curran of St. Pius V parish in Pilsen. Her death has resulted in the placement of a police camera to crack down on motorists and new signs are being placed to give pedestrians the right of way. Alejandro Reyes a close friend of Martha described her, "as a strong women in the community filled with joy and life."

Yet the car and driver that hit Martha are still at large. According to Chicago Police, the car could have been a purple or blue sedan or a light blue/green vehicle. Police have no new leads and the family is asking for help from the community. To share information on the search for the vehicle please call this number, 312-203-4986.