Hundreds March in Pilsen, Demand Answers in Unsolved Fatal Hit-and-Run

Marcela Herrera, 22, was killed in a hit-and-run nine months ago, and her family is still seeking justice.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car side mirror reflecting the faint glow of streetlights, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident.The unsolved hit-and-run that killed Marcela Herrera has left her family and community searching for answers and justice.Chicago Today

Hundreds of protesters filled the streets of Pilsen on Sunday, chanting for justice and answers in a fatal hit-and-run that has remained unsolved for nine months. Marcela Herrera, 22, was killed around 11:19 p.m. on July 21 while crossing the street with her fiancé, Mauricio Leyva. Despite surveillance footage showing a dark-colored Dodge Journey leaving the area, no arrests have been made. Herrera's family and friends are demanding that the Chicago Police Department provide more information and progress on the case.

Why it matters

The lack of progress and communication from detectives has deepened the grief for Herrera's family, who are frustrated that the person responsible is still free. The march reflects a broader pattern of unsolved hit-and-run cases across Chicago, which the Chicago Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability says happens far too often when there is no urgency or communication from authorities.

The details

Herrera was killed around 11:19 p.m. on July 21 while crossing the street at the corner of Ashland Avenue and Cullerton Street with her fiancé, 21-year-old Mauricio Leyva. Police say an unknown driver struck the couple and fled the scene, killing Herrera and seriously injuring Leyva. Despite surveillance footage showing a dark-colored Dodge Journey leaving the area, no arrests have been made.

  • Herrera was killed around 11:19 p.m. on July 21.
  • The march took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, nine months after Herrera's death.

The players

Marcela Herrera

A 22-year-old woman who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Pilsen.

Mauricio Leyva

Herrera's 21-year-old fiancé, who was seriously injured in the hit-and-run incident.

Naomi Herrera

Marcela Herrera's younger sister, who spoke at the rally demanding answers.

Jazmin Ruiz

A close friend of Marcela Herrera and one of the rally's organizers.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the hit-and-run incident.

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What they’re saying

“How is it possible that this much time has passed, and we have no answers? How is it possible that the person responsible is still out there, living freely, while my sister is gone forever?”

— Naomi Herrera, Marcela Herrera's younger sister

“At first, they were very responsive. But in the last months, the detectives have not reached back out, they're not taking calls and responding back. So we're not going to stand still. We're going to make noise again until we get some momentum going again.”

— Jazmin Ruiz, Close friend of Marcela Herrera and rally organizer

“This is how cases go cold. When there's no communication where there is no urgency, the system fails and families are left carrying the burden of grief and the search for answers on their own.”

— Rosemarie Dominguez, Representative for the 10th district

What’s next

The Chicago Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will host a public meeting on April 30 at DePaul College Prep focused on support for victims of violent crime and needed reforms.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by families seeking justice and closure in unsolved hit-and-run incidents across Chicago. The lack of communication and urgency from authorities has left Marcela Herrera's loved ones struggling to grieve and demanding more accountability from the system.