An 84-year-old woman found dead inside a West Morgan Park home last Thursday did not die of natural causes after all. Her death has now been ruled a homicide, shifting what first looked like a medical emergency into an active criminal investigation.
The woman was discovered unresponsive in a home in the 11000 block of South Washtenaw Avenue and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities initially described the circumstances as appearing consistent with a natural death, but that assessment changed after a closer look by examiners.
Examiner's findings
According to CBS News Chicago, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 84-year-old Benilda Ruiz. An autopsy determined that Ruiz suffered "multiple injuries due to assault," which led the office to classify the manner of death as homicide.
CBS News Chicago reports the outlet contacted the Chicago Police Department seeking further details about the case but had not received a response as of the latest update. There have been no public reports of any arrests connected to Ruiz’s death.
What the medical examiner's ruling means
Per the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, ruling a death a homicide reflects the findings of an autopsy and related testing. It describes how the death occurred from a medical and forensic standpoint and does not, by itself, assign criminal blame or determine who, if anyone, is legally responsible.
The office notes that toxicology and additional lab work can further refine the official cause and manner of death, which are documented in its final report. That report becomes a key tool for investigators. Any criminal charges would come later, if prosecutors decide the evidence supports them.
Investigation status
Chicago police initially stated that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene but did not provide further information about how she may have been injured. As of the most recent reports, the department has not released details on possible suspects or a potential motive.
As CBS News Chicago noted, both investigators and the medical examiner have now confirmed the updated homicide classification, and the police department had not responded to media requests for comment. Detectives continue to investigate, and the case remains open.
