Kenneth Brown: Man who shot and killed ex GF in front of their 2 children arrested after weeks on the run
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The ex-boyfriend of a 34-year-old woman, a mother of two who was shot and killed, has been arrested and taken into custody.
For context, Kenneth Brown fatally shot his ex-girlfriend Maria Roque in the presence of their two children, just before a court could extend a protection order against him.
The investigation further unveiled the heartbreaking scene of the Chicago woman's demise, as the two children attempted to save their mother, leading to their tearful reaction before she tragically succumbed to death.
Kenneth Brown arrested in Maria Rotique's murder case
As per the Chicago Police Department, on December 29, the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Brown in the 3100 block of W Harrison Street.
Brown was identified as the individual who, in the early morning hours of December 13, shot and killed Maria Roque in front of her residence situated in the 500 block of N Long Avenue in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago's West Side.
Upon noticing Brown approaching, Roque purportedly screamed and attempted to flee. Unfortunately, she sustained gunshot wounds to the shoulder, chest, and thumb.
He is charged with one count of first-degree murder in the killing of Maria Roque, as announced by Illinois authorities.
Brown had his initial court appearance on Sunday, where a judge ruled for him to be held in custody without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, according to Law&Crime.
Kenneth Brown had threatened to set fire to Maria Roque's car
Authorities had previously issued an arrest warrant for Brown one day before Roque's death.
It's noteworthy that Roque had accused Brown of physically assaulting her during an argument, leading to the issuance of a protection order in November.
Brown had also allegedly threatened to set Roque's car on fire and damage her personal belongings.
The protection order explicitly prohibited Brown from any contact with Roque and specified that he could not take their 8-year-old daughter or any pets from Roque's care.
Originally issued on November 7, the protection order was later extended on November 28.
Furthermore, the protection order was again extended on December 13, with its validity set to last until January 3, 2024—mere hours after Roque tragically lost her life.
