Natalia, known to her family as Natalie, had just finished the first grade at Crown Community Academy of Fine Arts Center.
“Natalia was a very quiet and sweet little girl,” her school, Crown Community Academy of Fine Arts, said in a statement.
“She completed every assignment during class, got along with all of her peers, and colored the most precious pictures ever given to me. Natalia never hesitated to ask for clarity when needed. Sometimes, her quiet spirit gave her the strength to lead the reading lessons within her group, and she soared when it came to doing math. During e-learning, Natalia was always present and participating. At the end of each class session, she would type in the chat box, ‘I Love You.’”
Natalia was shot in the forehead as she and other children played in the yard. She was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County where she later died, police said.