Daniel Figueroa, a 28-year-old Uber Eats driver from Downers Grove, Illinois, was killed in a violent carjacking early Monday morning, February 23, 2026, outside Loretto Hospital on Chicago’s West Side.
According to the Chicago Police Department and Cook County prosecutors, Figueroa had just completed his final delivery of the night around 2:07 a.m. and was returning to his Dodge Caravan, which he had left running near the hospital entrance. As he approached the vehicle, three individuals were attempting to steal it, with 33-year-old Montoya Perry of Maywood already in the driver’s seat.
Prosecutors stated that as the vehicle began to move, Figueroa tried to stop the theft and was dragged for approximately half a block. Perry then allegedly ran him over with the stolen van, inflicting fatal injuries. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and pronounced Figueroa dead at the scene. The incident occurred in the Austin neighborhood, a historically underserved area of Chicago that has seen a rise in vehicular hijackings in recent years.
Montoya Perry was arrested later that day in Maywood and charged with first-degree murder and vehicular hijacking. During her bond hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, prosecutors revealed that Perry had a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for robbery and theft. The judge ordered her held without bail pending trial. Authorities also confirmed that the other two individuals involved in the attempted carjacking are being sought for questioning.
In a disturbing twist, Perry reportedly posted a taunting message on Facebook just hours after the incident. The now-deleted post read, “The s*** we had to do to get home is crazy, but we made it. & if u missing a car, u can come get it!! We don’t want it!!” The post, flagged by local media outlets, has drawn widespread outrage and further fueled calls for justice from the community and Figueroa’s family.
Figueroa’s girlfriend, Sandra Guerrero, described him as a devoted partner and a loving father figure to her son. She said he worked tirelessly to support his family and had dreams of building a better future. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support his loved ones. The senseless nature of his death has sparked renewed demands for stronger protections for gig workers and delivery drivers, who often operate in high-risk environments with little institutional support.
As the investigation continues, the Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information about the other suspects to come forward. The case has become a flashpoint in the city’s ongoing struggle with violent crime and carjackings, prompting city officials to review current safety protocols for delivery drivers. Daniel Figueroa’s death has left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the broader community, who now seek justice and accountability for a life taken far too soon.