Schaumburg police investigating woman's death that's possibly connected to suspect in Rockford girl's murder

COOK COUNTY - The recent death of a 24-year-old woman in Schaumburg may be linked to the suspect in the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Rockford, according to police.

Natalie Negray was found dead on July 5th, 2023, in a hotel room located in the 1200 block of Bank Drive – less than one mile from Woodfield Mall.

According to Schaumburg police, evidence suggests she was with 44-year-old Antonio Monroe prior to her body being discovered.

Last Wednesday, Schaumburg police were called to MainStay Suites where Negray – who loved ones referred to as ‘Taye’ – was found unresponsive.

According to her obituary, she was laid to rest Monday – just one day before she would have turned 25 years old.

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Tuesday afternoon, Schaumburg police revealed shocking new information about the person who may have been the last to see her alive.

Monroe, who lives in Blue Island, was arrested over the weekend and has been charged in the murder of 10-year-old Destiny Huggins.

Huggins was killed Saturday – only three days after Negray was found dead.

Police say the young girl was just steps from her Rockford home when Monroe kidnapped her and her 6-year-old sister, who managed to escape.

Huggins was found dead less than an hour later.

In connection with the child’s death, Monroe is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, two counts of kidnapping, and strangulation.

Monroe’s bail has been set at $5 million.

Schaumburg police said they are working with Rockford police in the investigation.

Natalie Negray, Antonio Monroe, and Destiny Huggins

Negray’s cause and manner of death is still under review, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

No further information was immediately available.