A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder for allegedly beating 17-year-old Ezequiel Velasquez to death during a New Year’s Day carjacking on the Southwest Side.
Accomplice Vincent Lopez, 22, of the 5800 block of South Whipple Street, was charged in August with one count of first degree murder in Velasquez’ death, police said.
Velasquez and a 21-year-old woman were westbound on 40th Street in a Chrysler Sebring when they encountered a dark Chevrolet Suburban blocking the street near Pulaski Road about 6 a.m. Jan. 1, authorities said.
A group got out of the SUV, approached the Sebring and asked for gasoline, police said.
When they replied they did not, the group pulled the woman from the car and began beating her, police said. Velasquez then got out of the car and the group beat him and stole Sebring to push the SUV away from the scene.
Police said Velasquez and the carjackers all had gang affiliations.
Velasquez, of the 6100 block of South Massasoit Avenue, was initially taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died nine days later, authorities said.
The woman did not request medical treatment, police said.
The Sebring was later found in the 4200 block of South Campbell Avenue, police said.
Police are not releasing the name of the 15-year-old boy because he is a juvenile. He is expected to appear for a bond hearing Sunday.