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| Chicago Pastor allegedly murdered by home invasion, she had frequently helped |
Chicago, Illinois - In a shocking and heart-wrenching incident, Pastor Marisol Berrios was brutally beaten to death inside her apartment last weekend. The suspect, 59-year-old Marvin Wells, is now in custody, facing a litany of charges that include first-degree murder, home invasion, armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, possessing a stolen vehicle, and possession of a controlled substance.
The grim event unfolded on a fateful Saturday morning when Wells allegedly broke into Pastor Berrios' apartment. Tragically, he not only took her life but also pilfered her purse before making his escape in her sister's car.
This appalling crime has left the community in deep shock and disbelief. Pastor Berrios, aged 53, was known for her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to helping those less fortunate. She often assisted Wells, who performed odd jobs in her neighborhood, by providing him with financial support and meals.
Leatisha Bailey, a friend of Berrios, expressed her devastation, saying, "When I saw his face, my heart was broken because this is someone she fed and even given money to. Marisol would say, 'Honey, I know they are addicts, they just need a chance, and they just need something to do.'" She added, "How do you so heinously hurt somebody that was so compassionate and giving and selfless? She would connect with ministries that would go all around the world and help people when disasters would happen."
According to prosecutors, Wells admitted to the crime after learning that Pastor Berrios had recently collected rent money for her apartment's landlord. Subsequently, police officers found him slumped over the stolen vehicle's driver's seat. A high-speed chase ensued, culminating in Wells crashing the car. Notably, bloodstains were discovered on his jeans and shoes. During his bond hearing, he was ordered to be held without bail.
Marisol Berrios, originally from Puerto Rico, had been residing in Chicago for the past four years. Prior to her time in Chicago, she lived in Mexico and California, where she ran a halfway house and provided meals and spiritual support to those in need. Her sister, Raquel Berrios, shared her memories, saying, "She helped immigrants, Hispanics, minorities, and the homeless and ran a food pantry from a church parking lot."
In Chicago, Pastor Marisol continued her benevolent work, using her home to store food and supplies, which she then distributed to those facing hardship. Her sister emphasized, "She never judged. She would sit down with them and hold them and pray with them."
To support the Berrios family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been launched to cover the funeral expenses. As of Friday morning, the page has garnered $7,905 of its $10,000 goal.
The tragic loss of Pastor Marisol Berrios serves as a stark reminder of the importance of compassion and kindness in our communities. Her legacy of selflessness and unwavering support for those in need will be remembered and cherished.
