Evanston Woman Identified As Victim In 'Random' Shooting Spree

Evanston IL

20 January, 2021

6:38 PM

Description

EVANSTON, IL — A teacher's assistant in Evanston/Skokie District 65 died Saturday, a week after authorities said she was shot at an Evanston restaurant. Marta Torres, 61, of Evanston, dedicated her life to teaching, most recently at Washington School, according to a statement from her family. "While we mourn the loss of a wonderful woman, we also celebrate her remarkable life, with the hope it serves as an example for others to live lives of faith, love, family and friendship," it said. Known as "Chacha" to her grandchildren, Torres was remembered as "a thoughtful, generous, kind, loyal, sincere, strong, hardworking and special woman." Torres collected keychains and mugs, loved to read, write, dance and go to concerts, according to her family. She had an "unforgettable" and "joyous voice" and radiated an infectious, positive energy. "She cherished her family and was a true friend to everyone she met, from all walks of life," Torres' family said. Marta Torres, a teaching assistant at Washington School in Evanston, was shot and killed inside an Evanston IHOP restaurant on the evening of Jan. 9, according to Evanston police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. (NorthShore Updates) RELATED: Victims Identified In Shooting Spree From Chicago To Evanston Torres was the fourth victim of Jason Nightengale to die and the final person he shot on Jan. 9. Police said Nightengale, 32, shot six people, seemingly at random, at several locations on Chicago's South Side over the course of several hours that day. Yiran Fan, 30, Aisha Nevell, 46, and Anthony Faulkner, 20, died from their wounds. Three other people — a 15-year-old girl, a 77-year-old woman and an 81-year-old woman — were wounded. Nightengale then drove to Evanston, where he encountered Torres at the IHOP, 100 Asbury Ave., before shooting her in the head, police said. He attempted to take another woman hostage, ran outside and tried to escape before he was pointed out by a witness and fatally shot by Evanston police, authorities said. It was not immediately clear if Torres was a patron or staffer at the restaurant where she was shot. Evanston Police Chief Demitrous Cook first announced Torres had died at a City Council meeting two days after Nightengale's shooting spree ended on Howard Street. On Thursday, the department released a statement clarifying that she remained in critical condition. Police said they were uncertain as to Nightengale's motive. His fatal encounter with Evanston officers was captured on body-worn camera, police said. No portions of the video have yet been released in response to public records requests. EARLIER: Gunman Killed By Evanston Police After Shooting Spree In Chicago