CHICAGO — A mother and daughter are grappling with fear and confusion after a violent incident targeted their home in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood over the weekend. Their home became the focus of an apparent attack involving what they describe as a homemade explosive, leaving the family seeking answers about the motive behind the assault.
The unsettling events unfolded early Saturday morning in the 7200 block of South Kedzie Avenue. Patricia Nelson and her daughter, Nisha Thornton, were awakened after a knock at the door was followed by the sound of breaking glass — not just once, but twice. “It was so loud. We thought it could have been gunshots,” Nelson said, who has lived in her home for three decades.
At 68 years old and facing health challenges, including a recent diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, Nelson is currently receiving hospice care. Thornton, her devoted daughter, has been by her side throughout this difficult period. During the attack, both were asleep and jolted awake by the violent disturbances outside.
Thornton recounted her instinct to flee the house with her mother, who was reluctant to leave her familiar surroundings. “She doesn’t need this added stress,” Thornton expressed, reflecting the worry that such an incident could impact her mother’s already fragile state.
The family reported that the assailants hurled a makeshift bomb at their window, narrowly missing the interior of their home. Thornton noted that if the device had entered, it could have caused significant destruction, especially with oxygen tanks stored just inside the boarded-up window. “I didn’t even think of that. It could have been catastrophic,” she added, highlighting the danger of the situation.
Surveillance footage captured the two suspects igniting the device before launching it at the house. However, the footage did not provide clear information to help authorities track down the attackers, as they wore masks and gloves and left in a dark sedan without revealing their license plate. “I just don’t understand why we were targeted,” Nelson said, stating that at her age, she feels she has no enemies.
Despite the traumatic experience, the family is determined to focus on cherishing their remaining moments together, although the attack has added an overwhelming burden to their lives. Both Nelson and Thornton expressed a desire for justice and accountability, hoping that the incident will not threaten others in their community.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the attack, but police have yet to make any arrests as they continue their investigation into the case. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in identifying those responsible for this frightening incident.