Clarisa Figueroa, a Chicago woman, pleaded guilty to murder on Tuesday for luring a pregnant teenager to her home and cutting her baby from her womb nearly five years ago. She was sentenced to 50 years in prison, with no possibility of parole. The victim, Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, was strangled with a cable by Figueroa, who then called 911 claiming she had given birth. The baby died about two months later, leaving the victim’s husband, Yovanny Lopez, devastated.
Authorities revealed that Figueroa had plotted for months to acquire a newborn after the death of her adult son, and even posted ultrasound photos and images of a baby room on Facebook. She connected with Ochoa-Lopez on a Facebook page for pregnant women, luring her to her home under false pretenses. Ochoa-Lopez’s body was later found in a garbage can outside Figueroa’s home, while DNA tests confirmed that the child was not biologically related to Figueroa.
Desiree Figueroa, Clarisa’s daughter, played a role in the crime and pleaded guilty to murder in January. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison and agreed to testify against her mother. Clarisa’s boyfriend, Piotr Bobak, was also involved in the cover-up of the crime scene and was sentenced to four years in prison for obstruction of justice. Yovanny Lopez, the victim’s husband, expressed his pain in court, stating that the memory of his son’s last breath in his arms was unbearable.
The case shocked the Chicago community and sparked outrage over the heinous crime. Authorities expressed hope that justice would be served for the victim and her family. The sentencing of Clarisa Figueroa to 50 years in prison was seen as a small measure of closure for the tragedy that had unfolded. The judge emphasized that Figueroa would serve the entire sentence without the possibility of early release, ensuring that she would not harm anyone else.
Despite the horrific nature of the crime, the community came together to support the victim’s family and seek justice for Marlen Ochoa-Lopez. The story of her tragic death at the hands of individuals who had plotted to steal her baby highlighted the importance of vigilance and awareness in protecting vulnerable individuals. The sentencing of Figueroa and her accomplices served as a reminder that such acts of violence would not be tolerated in society, sending a strong message to those who seek to harm others for their own gain.
The case of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez’s murder and the kidnapping of her baby left a lasting impact on the community, prompting calls for greater protections for pregnant women and new mothers. The brutal nature of the crime and the calculated actions of the perpetrators underscored the need for increased awareness and support for individuals at risk of falling victim to such predators. The sentencing of Clarisa Figueroa and her co-conspirators brought some closure to the tragic chapter, but also served as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant in protecting vulnerable members of society.
