Prosecutors: Antwan Elliott asked group about gang affiliation, fatally shot Giovanni Matos in Portage Park

Michael Lansu — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:24:37 -0500

Antwan Elliott / Photo from Chicago Police

BY LEEANN SHELTON
Sun-Times Media

Antwan Elliott was ordered held without bond Tuesday after prosecutors claimed he fatally shot 16-year-old Giovanni Matos last week in the Portage Park neighborhood.

Matos was walking with two friends in the 5800 block of West Patterson Avenue when a vehicle pulled up about 1 p.m. March 15 and Elliot got out and asked the three about their gang affiliation, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors claimed Matos and his two acquaintances were gang members, and when they told Elliott their gang affiliations he opened fire on them.

Elliott continued shooting at the group even as they attempted to ran away, prosecutors said.

Matos, of the 5500 block of West Henderson Street, was shot in the head and back and died at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, authorities said.

One of Matos’ friends recognized Elliott, who prosecutors claimed is in a different gang, and gave police his nickname to police, prosecutors said.

The friend also recognized the defendant in a photo lineup, according to prosecutors who said officers recovered shell casings from the scene.

Giovanni Matos / Photo from Facebook

Officers arrested Elliott Saturday after they smelled marijuana and stopped the vehicle in which he was riding in the 2600 block of North Laramie Avenue, authorities said.

After the stop, Elliott attempted to run away, but police captured him and found a gun in his waistband, prosecutors said.

Elliott, 21, of the 1600 block of North Oak Park, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card, police said.

On Tuesday, Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr. ordered held Elliott held without bond and issued a next court date of April 10.

Antwan Elliott charged with murder in Portage Park shooting death of Giovanni Matos

Michael Lansu — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 22:15:12 -0500

Antwan Elliott / Photo from Chicago Police

BY MICHAEL LANSU
Homicide Watch Chicago Editor

Antwan Elliott was charged with murder Monday in the shooting death of 16-year-old Giovanni Matos this month in the Portage Park neighborhood, police said.

Matos was walking with two friends in the 5800 block of West Patterson Avenue when a gray car pulled up and an argument ensued about 12:50 p.m. March 15, authorities said.

Gang slogans were exchanged during the argument, then Elliott exited the car and opened fire, police said.

Matos, of the 5500 block of West Henderson Street, was shot in the head and died at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center hours later, authorities said.

Matos’ friends ran away and were not injured, authorities said.

After the shooting, the gunman got back into the car, which sped away, police said.

Giovanni Matos / Photo from Facebook

Officers arrested Elliott Saturday when they learned he was in possession of a handgun during a traffic stop in the 2600 block of North Laramie Avenue, police said.

On Monday, Elliott was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm without a FOID card, police said.

Elliott, 21, of the 1600 block of North Oak Park Avenue, is expected to appear in court Tuesday for a bond hearing.

Antwan Elliott | Homicide Watch Chicago

Prosecutors: Antwan Elliott asked group about gang affiliation, fatally shot Giovanni Matos in Portage Park

Antwan Elliott charged with murder in Portage Park shooting death of Giovanni Matos