CHICAGO, IL – A man accused of murdering a pregnant woman in Chicago’s South Side is set to remain in custody as he awaits his trial, following a judge’s ruling on Saturday.
26-year-old Dontrell Anderson was apprehended in Manitowoc, Wisconsin before being extradited to Chicago, where he has been charged with murder and concealing a homicide. Authorities allege that Anderson strangled and fatally shot 24-year-old Itzel Camarena during a visit to his family’s apartment back in February. Camarena, who was six months pregnant at the time of her death, was discovered in an alley between two trash cans near Anderson’s family home.
During a recent court hearing, a Cook County judge determined that Anderson poses a public safety risk, prompting the decision to keep him in custody.
Camarena’s family expressed a mix of emotions following the hearing, with many still grappling with unanswered questions and seeking justice for the loss of their loved one. Juanita Sanchez, Camarena’s aunt, questioned the fairness of the heinous act committed against her niece, emphasizing the devastation the family has endured.
Anderson’s defense maintains his presence in the apartment but denies any involvement in the murder. Despite the denials, Camarena’s mother, Vanessa Sanchez, remains hopeful that her daughter will receive the justice she deserves based on the evidence at hand. The family revealed that Camarena had aspirations of becoming a mother and starting a cosmetics business, dreams that will go unrealized.
The case is set to continue with Anderson’s next court appearance scheduled for April 9.
