A Year of Silence at Ashland and Cullerton
One year after Marcela Herrera was killed in a hit-and-run collision, her family and neighbors returned to the intersection of Ashland Avenue and Cullerton Street.
Marching for Accountability
The demonstration began at Dvorak Park, where participants marched to the site of the fatal crash. Led by Herrera’s cousin, Montse Barrera, the group carried signs and chanted, working to keep the investigation in the public eye. For those gathered, the emotional toll of the unsolved case remains heavy.
The march drew a wider coalition of families affected by traffic violence, including the family of Damián Gómez, a delivery worker killed while riding a bicycle. These families find that collective advocacy offers a necessary sense of community while they deal with the aftermath of fatal incidents.
CDOT Pledges Infrastructure Overhaul
The site of Herrera's death has become a flashpoint for transit safety advocates. The city intends to install pedestrian protection islands and additional traffic-calming infrastructure to mitigate the risk of future collisions.
Advocacy for Vulnerable Road Users
Alfredo Valladares Jr., founder of the Gage Park Cyclists, joined the march to demand safer streets. He emphasized that cyclists and pedestrians remain vulnerable, urging drivers to exercise greater awareness to prevent further loss of life. At the crash site, the group held a moment of silence and a prayer, hoping for progress in the police investigation.
Police Seek Public Leads
The Chicago Police Department maintains that the investigation into Herrera’s death is ongoing. Despite the passage of time, officials have yet to identify a suspect. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the investigative unit at (312) 745-4521.
For the Herrera family, the public memorial is more than a tribute; it is a vital step in ensuring the case remains a priority for both the community and law enforcement.