The family of Marlen Ochoa gathered to remember the young mother Saturday on what would have been her 20th birthday.
Ochoa was killed in late April after she allegedly used a Facebook group page to meet up with a woman to get clothing and other items for her unborn baby. That woman allegedly killed Ochoa and took her baby from her womb, and the child ultimately passed away several weeks later.
Mourners came together in front of a mural designed to commemorate Ochoa’s life in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood Saturday afternoon, and released red balloons to honor her memory.
"We're celebrating her birthday as a symbol of unity of her life, what it could have been, to keep her memory alive," said family attorney Frank Avila. "Not only for the sake of Yovanny and his family and her family, but for the sake of this case and for the sake of justice."
Ochoa's husband, Yovanny Lopez, said his family is doing the best they can without Ochoa, and is moving forward together.
"He wants to see that there is justice," Pastor Emma Lozano said, translating for Lopez.
Two women, Desiree and Clarisa Figeuroa, have been indicted on murder charges in the case, and are both being held without bond. They have pleaded not guilty.
Clarisa Figueroa’s boyfriend Piotr Bobak is charged with helping to conceal Ochoa’s death, and has also pleaded not guilty.
Avila, the family's attorney, expressed concern over Bobak's case, saying it's possible he could bond out of jail.
"...Bobak could get off partially because the police did not do their job in following up on his moving of the car, and we want to see if his DNA was in the car," Avila said.
The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 19.
