Third Hanover Park death investigated
Officials in Hanover Park continue to investigate another death in the village, but they aren't releasing many details, including the identity of what could be the third homicide victim in the past four days.
Police on Sunday were questioning someone in the death of the woman, found in a Hanover Park home Saturday evening, Mayor Rodney Craig said Sunday. Neither police nor village officials are revealing her identity. The DuPage County Coroner's office also is withholding her name.
"We're not saying a whole lot about what's going on, because it's a work in progress and I'm not going to compromise (police work)," Craig said.
Police found the woman after responding to a 911 call at about 6 p.m. Saturday.
Records show the residence where the woman was found - near County Farm Road and Lawrence - as belonging to a 51-year-old woman.
On Sunday, the single-family home at 6N247 County Farm Road was roped off with police tape.
Thomas Lovejoy, a former Hanover Park resident whose daughter lives in the area, said police questioned neighbors Saturday night.
"I'm a little nervous, because crazy stuff is going on in this world," Lovejoy said.
His daughter Kristina Lovejoy said she knows very little about the woman who lives in the house.
"She kind of stays to herself. She is a very private person."
Kristina Lovejoy's mother, Lisa Taggart, said police have said little about what actually happened.
"This is unbelievable," Taggart said.
The area is across the street from a bike path and a forest preserve. It was recently annexed into the village from DuPage County.
"It's very quiet. Nothing much ever goes on around here," Taggart said.
Police have been equally silent on developments in the investigation of the murder of 23-year-old Diontae Roberts. Roberts, of the 1700 block of Briarwood Avenue, was stabbed to death after a fight broke out at 12:30 a.m. Saturday at a party in the 8000 block of Catawba Lane.
Police interviewed about 30 people Saturday. It was unknown if a suspect was in custody.
On Thursday, 31-year-old Norma Favela, a pregnant mother of two who resided in the 1700 block of Linden Avenue, was beaten to death along with her unborn child. Rafael Alvarado, 32, of the same address, was charged in their deaths.
Funeral arrangements were pending Sunday.
Craig said he has been and intends to be proactive in fighting crime in his community.
"Last fall we had two murders. They were very close together," Craig said. "I created shortly thereafter a public awareness advisory committee. We have been meeting and we continue to meet to address the issues of our community."
Craig said he has been in contact with Congressman Peter Roskam and State Rep. Fred Crespo.
He said he has met with the police chief, who has recommended putting as many officers on the street as possible. "We have canceled officers' training. We have canceled their vacation time. We have 100 percent of our department engaged in what's happening in our community. We want them on the street.
"We believe our streets are safe, and we want the residents of this community to know that. We have had some isolated incidents of violence, and that is unacceptable. So we are all working together to let the residents know that Hanover Park is a good community. There are some good things going on here. We have had some quality events happening this weekend, and people need to be aware of that."
Craig said if the village needs to provide domestic violence training, it is willing to do that. If it needs to speak in the schools about gang awareness, it is willing to do that as well.
"We are communicating with youth and family services in the townships. We are communicating our Hanover Park resource center and DuCap and clergy.
"I'm making sure that I have got my thumb on the go button so that this town can be restored to the level of confidence where people aren't nervous walking their dog."