Glenbrook South Student Lilly Bova, 16, Shot Dead in Glenview; Family and Community Seek Justice

A 16-year-old girl, Lilly Bova, was tragically shot and killed on Saturday morning in a shooting at her home in an apartment complex in unincorporated Glenview, a suburb of Chicago. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating the death and searching for a person of interest in connection with the shooting.

Incident Overview

The shooting took place at around 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the Salem Walk apartment complex in Northbrook. Officers from the Cook County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about a potential gunshot victim. When they arrived at the scene, they found Lilly with a gunshot wound. She was given CPR at the scene and quickly transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where she was later pronounced dead.

The sheriff’s office has yet to release specific details on the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the possible motive, whether Lilly knew the shooter, or if the attack was random. Detectives are actively looking for a person of interest, but no arrests have been made.

Community Mourns the Loss of a Bright Student

Lilly Bova was a sophomore at Glenbrook South High School, where she was well-loved by both her peers and teachers. In a statement sent to parents, the school described Lilly as a bright and positive student, admired for her maturity beyond her years. Her teachers remembered her as an individual who loved deeply and brought light to the lives of those around her.

"Her energy. She's so bubbly — she brings a smile to everyone's face," said Sasha Banaban, one of Lilly’s classmates. "When she walks in a room, everyone wants to talk to her and be around her."

Lilly’s friends and family are devastated by her loss. Madilynn Mendoza, Lilly's lifelong friend and neighbor at the Salem Walk apartments, reflected on the memories they shared, stating that Lilly had a personality that could light up any room. "She was the prettiest girl I knew," said Madilynn, recalling how Lilly was always full of life.

Lilly’s father, Anthony Bova, described his daughter as a “good person” with a love for life. As he set up a memorial at the scene of the tragedy, he shared a poignant memory of taking Lilly to practice driving just weeks before her death. "She could do anything. She was into everything," Anthony said. "She was a good person, and she didn't deserve this."

A Heartfelt Loss for Family and Friends

Lilly’s tragic passing has left her family and friends heartbroken. In a statement to WAVE News, Lilly’s mother said, "She loved hard and she let you know that you were loved. My baby deserved better, she deserved help, not bullets."

Students at Glenbrook South High School have been deeply impacted by Lilly’s death, with many returning to class on Monday after spring break to mourn the loss of their friend. The school has made grief counselors available to students and staff, offering support during this difficult time.

Memorial and Calls for Justice

In a show of support for Lilly and her family, the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation (also known as The Uvalde Foundation for Kids) has pledged to plant a tree in her honor as part of its "Trees for Peace" initiative. The tree will be planted in the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina.

The foundation is also offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Lilly’s murder. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cook County Sheriff's detectives at 708-865-4896.

Lilly’s family is calling for justice and answers. As the investigation continues, the community of Glenbrook South and the larger Glenview area remain united in their grief and support for her loved ones.