Javier Garza sentenced to 51 years for killing 14-year-old Michael Orozco in Back of the Yards

Javier Garza (L) and Damien Garza (R) / Photo from Chicago Police
Javier Garza (L) and Damien Garza (R) / Photo from Chicago Police

BY LEEANN SHELTON
Sun-Times Media

One of two men convicted of murder for shooting a 14-year-old boy on his way to get ice cream has been sentenced to 51 years in prison.

Michael Orozco and his friends were on their way to an ice cream shop when he was shot in the chest in the 2200 block of South Leavitt Street about 4:30 p.m. April 7, 2013. He died less than an hour later at Mount Sinai Hospital, authorities said.

Prosecutors claimed Javier Garza, then 19, shot Michael in an apparent attempt to avenge the murder of his father.

Javier Garza and Damien Garza, 23, were arrested after police broadcast a description of the shooter’s vehicle, police said. The Garzas are not related.

In March, Javier Garza was convicted of various counts of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to court records.

On Thursday, Judge James B. Linn sentenced Javier Garza to 51 years in prison, according to court records. He has filed an appeal, which is scheduled for a status hearing May 14.

Damien Garza was convicted on similar charges, and is still awaiting sentencing, according to court records.

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