Pregnant Chicago Woman Killed at Fort Hood

Chicago - FOX Chicago News has learned that a 21-year-old pregnant woman from the Northwest Side of Chicago was killed in the Fort Hood shooting spree Thursday.

Francheska Velez, a 2006 graduate of Kelvyn Park, recently had returned from a tour of duty in Iraq.

According to family members, Velez had been back for just three days before the incident. She returned home early because she was three months pregnant. She happened to be in the building filling out paperwork due to her pregnancy when the gunman opened fire.

Velez' father Juan Velez said his daughter was fulfilling his dream by joining the U.S. Army. He said he never thought it would turn into his worst nightmare.

Juan Velez said two Army officers showed up at his Northwest Side home Thursday evening. They told him and his wife that their daughter was one of many killed in the shooting spree at Fort Hood.

The last time Juan Velez spent with his daughter was in August when she came home for her 21st birthday. She surprised her parents with a two-week visit.

The Velez family said Francheska just signed up for another three years with the U.S. Army, but came home from her tour of duty early last week.

Francheska Velez was expecting a baby boy in May. Her family said the Army plans to send her body back to them soon, but cannot give them a timeframe since there is an ongoing criminal investigation.

Funeral arrangements are still being planned. The Velez family said services will be held in Chicago.

Velez did her basic training in South Carolina. She has an older brother and two nieces.

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