The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office announced there is insufficient evidence at present to file criminal charges in the tragic shooting death of 16-year-old Lilly Bova. Bova was found with a gunshot wound in her bedroom in unincorporated Northbrook in late March.
The prosecutors have not ruled out future charges, while the Cook County Sheriff’s Office believes charges are warranted but respects the prosecutors’ decision. Bova, a sophomore at Glenbrook South High School, was found at her residence in the Salem Walk Apartment complex at 3600 block of South Salem Walk shortly after 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
First responders transported Bova to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where she was later pronounced dead, authorities said. An autopsy by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head, but her manner of death remains “undetermined.”
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a statement to Pioneer Press, explaining that the legal “burden of proof” cannot yet be met based on the evidence reviewed. “We cannot meet our burden of proof, and at this time, we cannot bring criminal charges,” the statement reads, adding that many questions remain regarding the incident.
Prosecutors from the Felony Review unit have been in contact with Bova’s family, personally informing them of the decision. The statement emphasizes the responsibility to file charges only when evidence supports doing so and reiterates commitment to pursuing justice.
Bova’s death is described as a profound tragedy, and the statement acknowledges the impact on her family, friends, and the community. Bova’s mother, Christine Maga, previously criticized the delay in filing charges against a suspect, according to media interviews. Maga and Anthony Bova, Lilly’s father, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In a Facebook post on June 10, Anthony Bova expressed disagreement with the decision to not file charges yet, stating he feels justice is unserved. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office shared that detectives and evidence technicians are gathering physical and electronic evidence. They are confident this evidence will eventually lead to charges.
While the Sheriff’s Office believes there is enough evidence for charges, it respects the prosecutors’ request for more time and urges individuals with information to come forward. They empathize with Bova’s family’s grief and desire to hold responsible parties accountable.
Bova’s passing deeply affected the Northbrook community and Glenbrook South High School, with teachers providing support to students. Neighbors described Bova as caring and warm, and the Bova family as “very nice,” sharing in the community’s sadness.
Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact sheriff’s police detectives at 708-865-4896.
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