She was transported to the 3rd District Tactical Office at the Grand Crossing police station at 7040 S. Cottage Grove. According to reports, at 3:20 a.m., Chavez was found hanging by her neck in a cell. She was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition for treatment. By 11:30 a.m., Irene Chavez was dead.
COPA released the statement on Dec. 27 in response to a notification their office received from the Chicago Police Department of Chavez’s “attempted suicide.” An investigation by COPA immediately commenced, and an autopsy was performed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The results of that autopsy have yet to be released to the public.
According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office website, “Copies of the autopsy and toxicology reports will usually be available 4-6 months after the cause of death is determined, and a death certificate is filed.” This means it could be as long as April or even June until the family begins to get answers to their questions.
On Dec. 27, COPA said, “At this time, there is no video surveillance of Ms. Chavez… where the alleged suicide attempt occurred; however, COPA will continue to conduct its investigation to determine if video captures the alleged suicide attempt and actions by officers in the immediate aftermath.” They noted that they would be investigating body-worn video obtained and reviewed of the initial arrest of Irene Chavez.
COPA also noted that any death in police custody is referred to the state’s attorney’s office and the federal bureau of investigation for criminal review.
In a Jan. 6 update, COPA acknowledged that they had obtained body-worn footage from the nine arresting officers in the Chavez incident. “Although this incident does not mandate the release of video and other materials under the City’s video release policy, the chief administrator has the discretion to release footage in cases of great public interest. Chief administrator Andrea Kersten has promised the release of footage within 60 days.”
Today is day 33.
COPA has continued to acknowledge that they are in communication with the family.
Andrew Stroth, an attorney working with the family, said that as of the first week in February, the family had yet to see the footage.
Stroth questions if Chavez was targeted because she identified queer. “When someone is taken into custody, and they don’t come out alive, there’s a big problem there.”