Rita Oceguera

Before joining The Trace, Rita worked as a reporter for Injustice Watch, covering the criminal legal system and immigrant communities as a Report for America corps member. As an undergraduate, Rita studied anthropology and journalism at Northwestern University. She earned an M.S. with a concentration in social justice and investigative reporting at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism.

If You’ve Been Shot in Illinois, Here’s How to Get Victim’s Compensation

Chicago

If You’ve Been Shot in Illinois, Here’s How to Get Victim’s Compensation

An updated guide to state funding for victims of violent crime and their loved ones, including recent changes to the application process.

Rita Oceguera
Illinois Made It Easier for Gun Violence Survivors to Apply for Compensation. Why Aren’t More Chicagoans Finding the Program?

Chicago

Illinois Made It Easier for Gun Violence Survivors to Apply for Compensation. Why Aren’t More Chicagoans Finding the Program?

An analysis by The Trace found that legislative changes have resulted in more money going to survivors of violent crime at a faster pace, but the program is still limited by its reach.

Rita Oceguera
Brandon Johnson Is Making Progress on Gun Violence. But Some Chicagoans Still Feel Forgotten.

Chicago

Brandon Johnson Is Making Progress on Gun Violence. But Some Chicagoans Still Feel Forgotten.

Residents feeling the pain of recent shootings say they need help now, while the mayor’s office builds out its longer-term plan.

Rita Oceguera
For Gun Violence Survivors, Winter Can Be Isolating — and Poignant

Chicago

For Gun Violence Survivors, Winter Can Be Isolating — and Poignant

Mothers in Chicago talk about navigating grief in a dark season and turning to each other for support as they memorialize their children.

Rita Oceguera
Chicago’s Experiment to Aid Gun Violence Survivors Is Actually Helping

Chicago

Chicago’s Experiment to Aid Gun Violence Survivors Is Actually Helping

The city program, which covers funeral and other expenses, has approved over 80 percent of applicants. But funds are running out for the few neighborhoods it serves.

Rita Oceguera
Chicago Police Make an Arrest in Only 20 Percent of Fatal Shootings

Chicago

Chicago Police Make an Arrest in Only 20 Percent of Fatal Shootings

The failure to solve many of the city’s gun crimes has left families distrustful of police and fearful for their own safety.

Rita Oceguera and Justin Agrelo
In This Maximum Security Facility, Prisoners Learn to Heal From One of Their Own

Chicago

In This Maximum Security Facility, Prisoners Learn to Heal From One of Their Own

Darnell Lane was convicted of shooting and killing another man. Now, he's helping his peers break generational cycles of violence.

Rita Oceguera
Illinois Legislators Introduce Karina’s Bill to Remove Guns from Abusers

Chicago

Illinois Legislators Introduce Karina’s Bill to Remove Guns from Abusers

Named for domestic violence victim Karina González, the measure would require law enforcement officers to quickly remove guns from people who have orders of protection against them.

Rita Oceguera
Violence Prevention Programs Aim to Reach Young People. They Have to Earn Their Trust First.

Chicago

Violence Prevention Programs Aim to Reach Young People. They Have to Earn Their Trust First.

Organizers are trying to help Chicago’s kids and teens process the trauma that comes from their exposure to gun violence. But some don’t even know about the resources available to them.

Rita Oceguera
Chicago Youth Programs Often End With the Summer. Young People Want More.

Chicago

Chicago Youth Programs Often End With the Summer. Young People Want More.

Organizers ramp up youth programming in the summer when gun violence is at its peak. Participants are seeking long-term solutions.

Rita Oceguera
As Gun Deaths Slowly Decline, Chicagoans Continue Searching for Stability

Chicago

As Gun Deaths Slowly Decline, Chicagoans Continue Searching for Stability

Residents say consistent violence reduction efforts would make them feel more safe in their neighborhoods.

Rita Oceguera
Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club Aims to Build Up Chicago’s Youth

Chicago

Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club Aims to Build Up Chicago’s Youth

Many young people in Chicago don’t feel safe in their neighborhoods. Through his nonprofit, Joseph Williams is trying to change that — one book at a time.

Rita Oceguera
All Eyes Are On Chicago Mayor’s First Move on Violence Prevention

Chicago

All Eyes Are On Chicago Mayor’s First Move on Violence Prevention

After Brandon Johnson announced key figures to shape the city’s public safety plan, voters want to make sure he follows through on campaign promises.

Rita Oceguera
Illinois Legislators Want to Expand Prison Alternatives for Gun Possession

Chicago

Illinois Legislators Want to Expand Prison Alternatives for Gun Possession

In response to punitive sentencing laws, the state created a pilot program that offers young people rehabilitation instead of jail. Now, an effort is underway to make it permanent.

Rita Oceguera
Chicago’s Violence Prevention Committee Hasn’t Met in Nearly Two Years

Chicago

Chicago’s Violence Prevention Committee Hasn’t Met in Nearly Two Years

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration promised community involvement, but the committee meant to hold it accountable stopped convening.

Rita Oceguera