‘She didn’t deserve this’: Teen found fatally beaten, stabbed at West Side park

CHICAGO – A homicide investigation is underway after the body of a teenage girl was found at a playground in the city’s East Garfield Park neighborhood Monday.

Family members have identified the victim as Kaylah Love, 16, a student at Manley Career Academy. They told WGN-TV she was a sweet girl, a bright student, and they are questioning how anyone could do this to her.

“She didn’t deserve this,” the victim’s sister wrote to WGN-TV.

According to the Chicago police, Kaylah’s body was found at Horan Park in the 3000 block of West Van Buren Street around 4:50 p.m. Monday. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police sources told WGN-TV that the victim suffered severe head trauma and was stabbed in the face and neck close to a dozen times. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide and said she died from multiple injuries related to an assault.

No one is in custody, according to CPD.

Sources believe the victim’s body may have been in the park since Sunday. Someone in the area called to report a fight in progress that day, but officers did not find anything when they went by the area.

Students and parents at Manley Career Academy, where Kaylah was a junior, shared their heartbreak over the news.

“Kaylah, she’s nice. She never said nothing to nobody, she’s very quiet,” Jayneisha Patrick said.

Jayneisha said she did not know Kaylah well, but said she was a good student and always came to school happy. She said the news was unexpected and the mood was somber during the school day Wednesday.

“I’m very saddened by the situation, very saddened,” Sharon Patrick said.

At dismissal Wednesday, Sharon spoke with WGN-TV and said Kaylah’s death hits too close to home, especially as a parent of three girls.

“Please speak up for the sake of her parents, for the sake of the community, for the sake of her loved ones. Say something. Give an anonymous tip, just do something,” Sharon said.

On Wednesday, school administrators sent an email to parents informing them about the loss of one of their own. A copy of the letter obtained by WGN-TV can be viewed below:

Dear Parents / Guardians and Community Members:
It is with deep sadness that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Kaylah Love passed away. Our thoughts are with the Love family during this difficult time. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for the entire school, especially our students.
The Chicago Public Schools’ Crisis Management Unit is working with our own counselors, social workers, and psychologists to provide grief counseling and support to students and staff members. We will continue to work closely with this team and our own clinicians will be available for students who need ongoing services.
Manley Career Academy Administration

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CPD Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8251 or dial 911.

Cook County Crime Stoppers is planning to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.  

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.