Kaylah Love death: Vigil held for 16-year-old girl killed in East Garfield Park; Chicago police launches 'internal investigation'
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Loved ones held a vigil Sunday for a 16-year-old girl who was killed last week at a park on the West Side.

Family members identified the victim to ABC7 as 16-year-old Kaylah Love.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Love’s body was found around 4:50 p.m. Monday at Horan Park in the 3000 block of West Van Buren Street in East Garfield Park, Chicago police said.

The Cook County Medical Examiner determined her death to be a homicide, with the cause being multiple injuries from an assault.

A vigil was held for Love on Sunday afternoon at the park where she was found dead.

Robert Love, a father consumed by loss, is looking for hope.

“I just want justice for my baby,” he said.

He is surrounded by a community crusading for justice.

“Should no mother have to bury her child, should no father have to bury his child,” said Jasmine Reynolds, a cousin of the victim’s mother.

Love’s family is pleading with the public for both answers and accountability.

“In talking to police, we believe the murder happened right over here near the jungle gym area of the playground area,” relative Kenyatta Euring said.

SEE ALSO | 13-year-old found shot to death in North Lawndale only after mother reported him missing

“She deserves to be here,” Reynolds said. “She’s supposed to be here.”

The beloved 16-year-old Manley Career Academy High School student planned to pursue a career in culinary arts.

“She’s not a statistic,” Euring said. “She’s a young lady who should still be here with us.”

Last week, Love’s family said police were called to Horan Park after a report of a fight in the park. The family claims police drove by the area, but did not get out of the vehicle.

The next day, Love’s family said she was found badly beaten in that same park.

“We don’t know for sure but she could have been dead or dying when they pulled up and there may have been an opportunity to save her life,” Euring said.

City officials confirmed Sunday night the officers that were called to the scene and how they handled the case is being investigated.

“We have to have this matter investigated… if the officers did not do what they were supposed to do, did not follow procedure, did not follow common sense, they will be dealt with appropriately,” Ald. Jason Ervin said.

ABC7 reached out to the Chicago Police Department to determine what is the policy in place when officers are called to a scene. They said there is an “internal investigation” into the matter and did not comment on what that policy is.

As far as the investigation into Love’s murder, police said so far no one is in custody.

No further information was immediately.

A full report on the vigil will air on Eyewitness News at 10 p.m. on ABC7.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Decaying iconic movie landmark gets a new $50million lease of life

Iconic Movie Landmark Revitalized with $50 Million Restoration Plan

A historic New York City icon that featured in the film Men…
Megyn Kelly says 'there's more truth coming' on CBS News' Bari Weiss

Megyn Kelly Teases Unveiling Revelations on CBS News’ Bari Weiss: “There’s More Truth Coming

Megyn Kelly has hinted that more revelations are on the horizon concerning…
FILE - A memorial wreath stands next to the bronze memorial bust by Robert Berks of President John F. Kennedy in the grand foyer at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Nov. 22, 2013, on the 50th anniversary of Kennedy

Kennedy Center’s Christmas Jazz Canceled Amid Controversy Over Trump Naming

NEW YORK (AP) — A longstanding Christmas Eve jazz concert at the…
Late billionaire tax cheat Robert Brockman’s heirs agree to pay $750M to IRS in epic fraud case

Epic Tax Fraud Unveiled: Late Billionaire Robert Brockman’s Heirs Settle $750M with IRS

Robert Brockman, a billionaire and software mogul, orchestrated a colossal tax evasion…
Pilot creates nativity scene using flight plan, hoping to spread Christmas cheer

Pilot Crafts Nativity Scene Flight Path to Inspire Holiday Cheer

Tim Pearson, a private pilot, never anticipated that his creative endeavor would…
Israeli hostages freed, Iran hit, ceasefire held — 2025 shattered idea that US was exiting the Middle East

2025 Middle East Dynamics: Israeli Hostage Release, Iran Strikes, and Ceasefire Challenge US Exit Assumptions

For many years, Washington has signaled intentions to diminish its presence in…
Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV celebrates 1st Christmas as pontiff with midnight Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Chicago Native Pope Leo XIV Commemorates First Christmas as Pontiff with Midnight Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica

In Vatican City, the faithful of Chicago hold Christmas Eve services as…
AJ Brown lands on Eagles injury report after wisdom tooth procedure

Eagles’ AJ Brown Added to Injury List Following Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Wednesday’s practice for the Eagles was notably less intense than usual. Star…