SCHILLER PARK, Ill. — A quiet Schiller Park neighborhood has been shaken by tragedy after police discovered the bodies of 45-year-old Dominick Garcia and his wife, 34-year-old Monika Drwiega, inside their residence during a welfare check on November 24, 2025. The devastating discovery was made around 9:11 a.m. in an apartment located at 3848 25th Avenue, after officers forced entry when they received no response from inside the unit.
According to investigators, the incident was a murder–suicide. Evidence at the scene indicates that Garcia fatally shot Drwiega before turning the gun on himself. The motive remains under investigation, but authorities confirmed there were no signs of forced entry or involvement of outside suspects. The tragic nature of the incident has left neighbors stunned and deeply saddened, as news of the deaths spread throughout the community.
Drwiega, a respected and well-known Chicago-area realtor with RCI Realty, is being remembered with an outpouring of love from friends, colleagues, and clients. Many described her as warm, hardworking, and dedicated to helping families find homes where they could build their futures. Tributes on social media reflect the heartbreak of those who knew her, with many expressing disbelief and profound sorrow over her sudden and violent death.
Friends recall Drwiega as someone who brought joy into every room she entered—energetic, compassionate, and committed both to her work and to the people she served. Her loss leaves a void not only within the real estate community but also among the many individuals and families whose lives she touched through her career. Her colleagues at RCI Realty shared their condolences publicly, remembering her as a bright soul with a generous spirit.
The Schiller Park Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including reviewing previous calls to the residence and speaking with relatives and neighbors. Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of reaching out for help in situations involving domestic stress or emotional crisis, noting that support resources remain available throughout the Chicago area.
As the community mourns the deaths of Monika Drwiega and Dominick Garcia, loved ones are left grappling with shock, grief, and unanswered questions. Monika’s legacy—as a devoted professional, a cherished friend, and a vibrant member of her community—will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
