'Vibrant' Ill. Girl, 15, Was Eating Dinner at Home When She Was Struck and Killed by Stray Bullet

Mar. 15, 2025

Valeria Rodriguez.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

The victim, Valeria Rodriguez, is not believed to have been the target of the July 24 shooting, the Lake County Major Crime Task Force said in a press release.

The gun was fired outside the Round Lake, Ill., home and struck Valeria, authorities said.ABC 7reported that she was eating dinner at the time she was shot.

A spokesperson for the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said Poole has not yet entered a plea. It is not immediately clear if he has retained an attorney. He faces a detention hearing on Aug. 20.

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“Our office continues to express our deep condolences and sympathies to the family of Valeria Rodriguez over their unimaginable loss,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement.

According to her obituary, Valeria was a student at Round Lake High School. AGoFundMestarted in her memory has raised more than $16,000.

“Her infectious smile and friendly demeanor made her a beloved figure among her peers and teachers alike,” the obituary reads. “Her passions were as colorful and vibrant as her personality. Valeria’s love for music knew no bounds, with the melodies of Kali Uchis and Cuco often providing the soundtrack to her life. She found solace in the transformative power of makeup, a creative outlet that she playfully enjoyed even in her moments of rest.”

source: people.com