Malissa Torres Obituary Chicago IL Death:- An off-duty Chicago police officer, identified as 34-year-old Malissa Torres, died early Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the 18th District police station in River North.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m., and Torres was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was later transported to Northwestern Hospital and then to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, escorted by a solemn procession of fellow officers.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) released a statement confirming her death and noted that detectives are currently conducting a death investigation. The 18th District station is temporarily closed, and service calls are being redirected to nearby districts.
CPD acknowledged the emotional toll of police work in their statement, emphasizing that officers face the same personal challenges as everyone else while also navigating the high-stress demands of their profession. “We ask the public to keep this officer’s family and her fellow officers in your prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss,” the department said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson also expressed his condolences, calling the loss tragic and emphasizing the importance of supporting officers who regularly witness traumatic events. He urged the city to carry one another during times of grief and to keep the officer’s loved ones and colleagues in their thoughts.
CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling, in a recent interview, highlighted the emotional burdens officers endure and the importance of acknowledging the difficult realities they face on the job. In an internal email following the tragedy, he reminded officers that mental health resources are available.
The incident has brought renewed focus on mental health in law enforcement. For anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, help is available by dialing 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which operates 24/7.
