Migrant murdered estranged wife as young daughter secretly called for help: prosecutors

Venezuelan Migrant Accused of Murdering Wife in Front of Children

A Venezuelan migrant is facing charges for the brutal murder of his estranged wife in their Chicago apartment, a crime that unfolded in front of their children and ended with the intervention of local police. The victim, 28-year-old Crisberly Rea Lopez, was found fatally shot in the couple’s Southeast Side home in the early hours of Monday morning.

The accused, Joel Luis Quintero Cristian, 29, surrendered to authorities after officers heard gunshots coming from the apartment. According to Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara, the couple had separated, but Quintero Cristian still had access to the apartment where the tragic incident took place.

The couple shared a 2-year-old child, and Rea Lopez’s other children, aged 12, 10, and 8, were also present in the home at the time of the attack. Prosecutors revealed that Quintero Cristian arrived at the apartment in the early hours and immediately began arguing with his estranged wife over a missing gun, which she had hidden.

During the argument, Quintero Cristian threatened to shoot Rea Lopez while brandishing a firearm and ordered the children to surrender their phones. However, the 12-year-old daughter managed to secretly use her younger sibling’s hidden phone to alert relatives and call for help.

The grandmother of the children drove towards the apartment while staying on the line with emergency services, receiving updates from the brave 12-year-old. The texts sent by the girl included urgent pleas for help and warnings of the escalating violence unfolding inside the apartment.

When police arrived and knocked on the door, they heard gunshots coming from inside. Quintero Cristian surrendered and was detained, leading officers to discover the horrific scene in the rear bedroom where Rea Lopez was found with multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigations revealed a history of escalating abuse by Quintero Cristian, with relatives recounting instances of violence that had prompted Rea Lopez to temporarily move out with her children. Quintero Cristian has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently detained awaiting trial.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of taking domestic violence seriously and the bravery of the children involved in seeking help. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Crisberly Rea Lopez during this difficult time.

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