Mother of Chicago Teen Found Dead in Her Bedroom Tells Eva Pilgrim She Knows Who Shot Her Daughter

Mother of Chicago Teen Found Dead in Her Bedroom Tells Eva Pilgrim She Knows Who Shot Her Daughter

Click HERE to Watch, Interview Airs Thursday, September 24 on INSIDE EDITION

(Must Link & Credit INSIDE EDITION)

September 24, 2026 - In an interview airing tonight, INSIDE EDITION's Eva Pilgrim sits down with the mother of 16-year-old Lilly Bova, a high school sophomore who died of a gunshot to the head in her bedroom outside Chicago during spring break six months ago.

According to Lilly's family, her older sister was home when a teenage boy who had been with Lilly came out of her bedroom moments after a gunshot. Lilly's mother, Christie Maga, alleges the boy was holding a gun and had blood on his shirt before fleeing the home.

Despite Lilly's family believing she was killed, the medical examiner did not rule her death a homicide, adding that they could not determine who pulled the trigger. The state's attorney has not filed charges.

Neighborhood surveillance footage obtained exclusively by INSIDE EDITION shows the young man Maga says had been with Lilly, yelling frantically and seemingly calling his mother for a ride.

Maga tells Pilgrim, "He killed her. And he's getting away with it."

The Cook County Sheriff's Office Deputy Chief of Investigations, Michael Dwyer, tells INSIDE EDITION that police believe they know what happened and that there is enough evidence to support criminal charges. "We believe we know what happened in this case…We would maintain there is currently enough evidence to support criminal charges," says Dwyer.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office said it has not filed charges because "based on the evidence collected thus far" it does not support "a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt." The added that they will carefully review any new evidence or information that comes to light and determine whether it supports any criminal charges being filed.

"Lilly was my everything. This can't be the way that it ends, with zero justice," Maga added.

The boy's guardian did not respond to our requests for comment.

Tune in to INSIDE EDITION Thursday, September 24 for the full report.

Check local listings for times and stations in your area at www.insideedition.com.

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