Christian Alvarez, Antonio Castaneda charged in Chicago Lawn murder of Sam Aguilar

Michael Lansu — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 17:09:59 -0500

Christian Alvarez / Photo from Chicago Police

Two men have been charged after police officers witnessed the fatal drive-by shooting of Sam Aguilar early Tuesday in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood.

Christian Alvarez, 18, and Antonio Castaneda, 31, were each charged with one count of first-degree murder, police said. Castaneda was also charged charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer and attempting to disarm a peace officer, police said.

Judge Laura Sullivan ordered Alvarez, of the 5800 block of South Kedzie, held without bond Thursday. Castaneda, of the 6000 block of South Kedzie, was ordered held on a $1 million bond.

Officers saw a gold Nissan Maxima traveling north on Francisco Avenue across 63rd Street about 2 a.m. Tuesday when the rear passenger stuck his arm out the window and fired five shots at Aguilar, prosecutors said.

The Nissan then turned into an alley, and a sergeant followed the vehicle until it stopped in the 6000 block of South Central Park Avenue, prosecutors said.

Castaneda attempted to run away, but the sergeant chased him down the alley, prosecutors said. Castaneda reached for his gun, but the sergeant took him to the ground and struck him with the gun, prosecutors said.

Alvarez, who also jumped out of the vehicle, was detained around the corner by other officers, prosecutors said.

Antonio Castaneda / Photo from Chicago Police

Aguilar, 33, of the 1500 block of West Walton Street, died at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn later that morning, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Prosecutors said another person witnessed the shooting and identified Castaneda and Alvarez in a line-up. A third person who was in the vehicle has not been charged.

-- Sun-Times Media Wire

Christian Alvarez | Homicide Watch Chicago

Christian Alvarez, Antonio Castaneda charged in Chicago Lawn murder of Sam Aguilar