CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva is uplifting the voice of Jesus Emmanuel Alvarez after his father, the man who allegedly killed his wife, Karina Gonzalez, and 15-year-old daughter, Daniela Alvarez, in a domestic shooting in 2023 – resulting in Villanueva passing Karina’s Law – passed away before the case could be taken to trial.
“Jesus Emmanuel Alvarez is one of the bravest people I’ve ever met, stepping up in the midst of so much uncertainty to ensure no other family has to endure the pain that his did,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “His courage during one of the darkest periods of his life is just one of the many reasons I’m proud to know Jesus, and I’m thankful this reign of trauma in his life is ending.”
Villanueva worked with Jesus Alvarez to create Karina’s Law in honor of his mother and sister, legislation sponsored by Villanueva in 2024, and signed into law in 2025, that addresses the excessive danger of domestic violence situations involving firearms.
“When his mother and sister passed, Jesus worked closely beside me to create and pass Karina’s Law, participating in countless meetings and conversations to share Karina and Daniela’s story,” Villanueva added. “Since first meeting Jesus in 2023, I have been proud to witness his dedication to uplifting his family’s memory.”
Now, in light of his father’s passing in early May from stage-four laryngeal cancer, Jesus Alvarez has emphasized he is ready for growth and transition.
“I want to express my desire to look ahead and my relief to not experience further trauma or victimization in the state’s justice system,” said Jesus Alvarez. “As I find a way to continue forward, processing the emotions and trauma perpetrated by my father, I am thankful to be able to close this chapter and begin my next journey.”
Following her work on Karina’s Law with Jesus, Villanueva sponsored Senate Bill 3329 this year to build on protections of Karina’s Law and further protect victims of domestic violence in honor of Karina and Daniela.
