Authorities identify Round Lake Beach teen struck and killed by stray bullet fired from outside her home

A 15-year-old Round Lake Beach girl who was struck and killed Wednesday by a stray bullet fired from outside her home, has been identified as Valeria Rodriguez, authorities said.

An examination showed Rodriguez died from a gunshot wound to the torso, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office.

Round Lake Beach police called about 9:10 p.m. to a home on the 1500 block of Cherokee Drive on a report of an injured person found Rodriguez inside with a gunshot wound, according to Chris Covelli, spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.

Preliminary information showed a person fired a gun outside, nearby the home, Covelli said, and a stray bullet entered the home and struck the girl. Covelli said the bullet entered the home through a window. Rodriguez was at a dining table when struck, he added.

She was pronounced dead at a hospital. It does not appear Rodriguez was the intended target of the shooting, Covelli said.

Covelli said even if unintentional, the shooting is considered a homicide.

Due to the circumstances, the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force was asked to assist, Covelli said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Round Lake Beach police at (847) 546-2127.