SUSAN MURPHY MILANO'S JOURNAL

Lacey Gaines: Fighting Beyond the Grave For Justice

Lacey Gaines was barely 20 years of age when her body was discovered on the kitchen floor of her apartment. The year before she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

Chances are Lacey left the baby with a relative that day because she felt something in her "gut" was wrong. At 7 p.m. the evening of December 7, 2009 Lacey was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

In early 2009, she sought direction and support from variousfamily members because she was a victim of domestic violence. Like many women, Lacey worked two jobs to support she and her child. She was an excellent mother.

On March 18, 2009, in a Cook County, Illinois court, a petition to establish parentage was filed by the baby's father, SANCHEZ REGELIO [Sanchez has used several alias in the past and I am not sure what legal name he is currently using]. The case link is HERE.  Everyone called him "Daniel" including Lacey. Sanchez took the paternity test and was proven to be the baby's father sometime in May of 2009.

Briefly in 2009, I spoke with Lacey on the phone and she was terrified of Daniel, the child's father. At that time, Lacey indicated she needed more time to think about the best plan of action for her safety, which is very common for any woman being abused, and I did not hear back from her.

A huge red flag, at least in my opinion, is the fact that Sanchez allowed the paternity case to go off the court call on September 25, 2009. Indicating to me that he was up to no good.

Lacey had begun a new life for herself by moving to a new residence and beginning a relationship with a man who did not abuse her. He was good for she and her son. Lacey hoped one day in the near future, after the couple married, he could adopt the child as his own.

Sanchez, according to sources, grew increasingly violent over the new relationship, abused Lacey each time he saw her or picked up the child during visitation, fitting the profile of "if I can't have her no one can." Remember Lacey ended the relationship and Sanchez was enraged over her decision to go on with her life minus this coward. Most abuser's cannot handle rejection, this includes Sanchez.

Now, a month after Lacey Gaines murder, police in the town of Justice, Illinois still do no have a person in custody. Why does it take so long for justice in cases of intimate family homicide?

Lacey Gaines did not deserve to die. In my opinion she stood up to the abuser and for that her life was taken away. Her son will never know the courage and warmth of this amazing woman.

I am asking that you take a moment to sign a petition for Justice for Lacey [pictured on there left] at:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/laceygainesmurder

Police are asking for the public's assistance. All tips are anonymous.

Please, if you have information about this murder please call:

Justice Police Department

Website: http://villageofjustice.org

Thomas C Bockmann, Deputy Chief of Police

7800 S Archer Rd, Justice, IL 60458

Ph: 708 458-2191

POSTED BY SUSAN MURPHY MILANO'S JOURNAL AT 23:58 3 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST

LABELS: CHERRY SIMPSON, DANA PRETZER, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MURDER,HOMICIDE, LACEY GAINES, WILL COUNTY ILLINOIS, WOMEN IN CRIME INK