Community members march in wake of Chicago mother's death

November 4, 2007 (WLS) -- Four days after the Halloween murder of a Back of the Yards mother, a community voiced its frustration over gang violence. Residents and community leaders say they have had enough, after mourning for 38-year-old Leticia Barrera, whose night of trick-or-treating with her children ended in a hail of gunfire.

Scores of parishioners marched after church in the Back of the Yards community Sunday morning protesting the gang violence that killed Barrera last Wedensday.

The 38-year-old mother of three was shot in front of her home Halloween day as she returned from trick-or-treating with her children. Barrera was pregnant and likely caught in the crossfire between two gangs.

"It's bad and we hope it gets better with the help of the community here, especially because I'm a mother and I feel so sorry for Leticia," said Paulina Tito, an area resident.

"There are always drive by [shootings]. You always hear shootings or something, and lately, after church there are always police cars around there because someone got shot," said Diana Macias, who also lives in the area. Father Bruce Wellems of Holy Cross Immaculate Heart of Mary church, led Sunday's march. He says marchers chose to walk the two blocks from church to Davis Square Park to reclaim a spot that is often used as a hangout for gang bangers. The area, he adds, has seen a recent upswing in gun violence.

"Two Sundays ago Fernando Guzman, a 27-year-old dad in front of a couple of kids was killed at 9.30am just a block from church just as we were getting ready for mass. Last week a man was shot at 45th and Paulina in the arm," said Wellems.

Once at the park, police and elected officials encouraged residents to come forward and turn in those who inflict violence on the community. Fliers were passed out, asking anyone with information leading to Leticia Barrera's shooters to speak up.

"We're receiving a lot of calls from the community. We're sifting through them, evaluating them and seeing where the evidence leads us," said Cmdr. Eugene Roy of the Chicago Police Department. .

"You can call us. You can call your faith-based leaders. You can call your elected officials and we will keep you anonymous. We will keep that information confidential, but we do need to work together because it takes more than the police," said Interim Supt. Dana Starks.

Chicago police say they are searching for two suspects in the case.

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