Subscribe
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE

The fatal shooting of a Chicago teen is believed to have been a retaliation tactic to avenge the death of the gunman’s father. Prosecutors allege that suspect, Javier Garza, opened fire on a group of teens Sunday (April 7) hitting a 14-year-old.

Javier, 17, is being held  without bail on charges of first-degree murder, and aggravated battery with a firearm. His alleged getaway driver, Damien Garza, 19, was granted $1 million bond but faces the same charges.

According to prosecutors, Javier and Damien belong to the Latin Saints gang. They are believed to have driven into rival territory on Sunday and threw up gang signs at a group of youngsters. Javier then jumped out of the vehicle and sprayed the crowd, hitting Michael Orozco three times in the back. Another victim, a 13-year-old girl, was grazed in the leg.

Javier’s mother, Madeline Garza, said that her son and the accomplice are not related.

She disputed the theory that he was seeking revenge, noting that her son’s father’s death was over a decade ago, and occurred in a different neighborhood. She also believes that he had no motive to shoot innocent victims. “None of this makes sense,” she said. “It’s wrong that this kid’s life was taken, but to say that my husband’s [death] was the reason? How is that?”

Police tracked the suspects down after a witness spotted the getaway vehicle and called 911. Both men were arrested within minutes.

The elder Javier Garza was gunned down in 2001. A member of the Latin Souls, the 27-year-old was shot driving his car, causing him to crash. After his death, three Latin Soul members were charged for retaliating against the La Raza gang, fatally shooting one member during a drive-by.

 

Photo: Chicago Police Dept.