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Marlen Ochoa-Lopez Unalived, Baby Cut From Womb

Baby Yovanny survived for three weeks after the horrific incident

By Criminal MattersPublished about a year ago 3 min read

On April 23, 2019, Chicago woman Clarisa Figueroa called 9-1-1, claiming she just delivered a baby boy and he was not breathing. Paramedics responded to the home, transported the baby to a local hospital, and released him to the 47-year-old.

Across town on the same day and nearly the same time, 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez disappeared after leaving a high school. Family and friends told authorities that Marlen planned to pick up free baby clothing from a woman's house.

WGNTV

Marlen was nine months pregnant, due to deliver any day. Marlen and her husband Yovany were already parents of a 3-year-old son.

Photo: Book Club Chicago

Marlen never returned home. Her family knew she would never leave her 3-year-old son and immediately feared the worst. After notifying police, the family conducted massive searches for Marlen; none yielded any information about her whereabouts.

Marlen’s body was found three weeks later. The baby had been cut from her womb, an obvious fact from the appearance of the body. Police knew this murder was no accident; someone intentionally killed Marlen to take her baby.

GoFundMe Raises Suspicion

In June 2019, authorities spotted a GoFundMe fundraiser set up by Figueroa requesting donations to help pay for her newborn's funeral expenses, saying he was going to die; the same baby that she had called 9-1-1 after allegedly delivering back in April. The baby had suffered tremendous health problems, including brain injuries, during his two months of life.

WGNTV

Suspicious about the post, police conducted DNA testing on the baby boy and determined that Figueroa was not his mother; he was the baby of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez and Yovany Lopez. 

Baby Yovany Passed Away; Figueroa’s Arrested

Baby Yovany fought hard for his life, although his injuries were too severe, and he passed away from brain injuries shortly after the GFM post.

Clarisa Figueroa and her daughter, Desiree were arrested on murder charges. Clarisa's boyfriend was also taken into custody on charges he helped cover up the murder.

Desiree revealed a shocking story to the police.

For several weeks, Desiree and Clarisa had planned to lure someone to their home to steal a baby. Clarisa had originally conjured up the idea to steal a baby in 2018 after the death of her adult son. She also began telling her friends and family that she was pregnant.

Clarisa ran a Facebook group for single mothers and decided that was the perfect location to find a victim. Marlen fit their needs for a victim.

Marlen sat down on the sofa when she arrived at the Figueroa home. Desiree showed her photos of her recently deceased brother. Seconds later, Clarisa came up behind her and strangled her to death with a cable.

Desiree, Clarisa, and Clarisa’s boyfriend then disposed of Marlen’s body in garbage cans outside. 

Sentencing

Clarisa’s boyfriend, Piotr Bobak, pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to four years in prison with credit given for the 3 years, and 8 months he spent in jail awaiting trial.   Desiree agreed to testify against her mother. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Clarisa was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Both women remain behind bars.

Sources:

https://abc7chicago.com/clarisa-figueroa-sentenced-to-50-years-in-prison-for-pregnant-woman-marlen-ochoa-lopezs-murder-whose-baby-was-cut-from-womb/14676286/

https://abc7chicago.com/clarisa-figueroa-sentenced-to-50-years-in-prison-for-pregnant-woman-marlen-ochoa-lopezs-murder-whose-baby-was-cut-from-womb/14676286/

https://wgntv.com/news/chicagocrime/second-woman-charged-in-2019-murder-of-marlen-ochoa-lopez-expected-to-receive-30-year-sentence-thursday/

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My condolences to the family.

Thanks for reading this story. I appreciate your support. If you don't already, follow me on Facebook! facebook.com/criminalmatterspage.

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About the Creator

Criminal Matters

The best of the worst true crime, history, strange and Unusual stories.

Graphic material. Intended for a mature audience ONLY.

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