Chicago City Wire

UIC College Prep is hosting a vigil for Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston. 

“Join us to celebrate the life of Officer Aréanah Preston. Here at UIC College Prep,” a banner posted on Facebook reads. 

The vigil will be held May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at UIC College Prep’s campus located at 1231 S. Damen. 

Preston was about to receive her Master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago. 

"Who I really feel sorry for is those boys," Preston's mother Dionne Mhoon told reporters after a hearing Wednesday. "Nobody told them they were loved. Nobody told them that you could do anything like I constantly preached to my daughter."

Preston was targeted and killed by four teenagers who terrorized parts of Chicago over a three-hour-long crime spree ending in her death. She returned fire after being ambushed but was shot twice in the incident. The suspects targeted her near her Avalon Park home where she had finished a shift. Her weapon was stolen as well. The 16-year-old suspect was overheard on the phone admitting to the crime as well as a string of others.

Trevell Breeland, 19; Joseph Brooks, 19, Jakwon Buchanan, 18; and a 16-year-old juvenile have all been charged with first-degree murder in the incident. The accused are said to have robbed four people and stolen a car within the span of three hours before murdering Preston, torching the car, and fleeing the area. All face life imprisonment if convicted.

"She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend who wanted to make a difference in this world," interim Chicago Police Superintendent Eric Carter said on Wednesday, according to Patch reported. "Those who knew her would tell you that's exactly what she did. She wanted to create a better future for Chicago but the incomprehensible actions of these four offenders took that future from her and the loss to the City of Chicago is tremendous.”