Community Corner

Friend Starts Online Fund for Children of Slain Aurora Woman

Ex-boyfriend accused in the murder of nurse, mother of three.

A longtime friend of Heather Jacobi has set up a fund for the 32-year-old's three children.

Jacobi, a nurse and Romeoville native, was found dead in her Aurora home early Saturday. Prosecutors say her ex-boyfriend, 35-year-old Jose Loera, killed her after an argument turned violent.

On Sunday, friend Debby Lessentine started an online GoFundMe fundraiser for Jacobi's family.

"She leaves behind three beautiful school-aged children and this page was created to raise money for her children, to pay for funeral expenses, or any other needs they have," Lessentine wrote. "Heather was a Romeoville native who currently resided in Aurora and attended Yellow Box Community Christian Church. She was a beautiful, kind and amazing person and mother. She will be dearly missed."

As of Wednesday morning, 132 people had contributed more than $8,000 to the fund. Click here to make a donation.

Visitation for Jacobi is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Anderson Memorial Chapel, 606 Townhall Drive in Romeoville. A funeral is set for 11 a.m. Thursday at the chapel.

Prosecutors allege that on the night of March 28, Loera went to Jacobi's home, where the two argued. Loera is accused of strangling Jacobi with a scarf before fleeing the scene.

Loera reportedly attempted suicide after the alleged crime, and was found unconscious but breathing in his Aurora home on Saturday. He was taken into custody after being treated and released from a local hospital.

On Monday, he was charged with first-degree murder and is being held on $5 million bond.


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