Valentin Garcia held without bond for allegedly killing Javier Gonzalez in Little Village shooting

Michael Lansu — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:59:23 -0600

BY MICHAEL LANSU
Homicide Watch Chicago Editor

A Southwest Side teenager has been charged for allegedly gunning down a rival gang member on a Little Village street last November.

Valentin Garcia, 17, was charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of Javier Gonzalez, authorities said. Judge Laura Sullivan ordered him held without bond on Monday.

Garcia allegedly exited a car in the 3000 block of South Karlov Avenue and shot Gonzalez, 17, in the back of the head and right shoulder at 5:53 p.m. Nov. 14, 2013, said Assistant State's Attorney Naheda Zayyad.

Gonzalez, of the 3100 block of South Komensky Avenue, died at Mount Sinai Hospital the next day, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

After the shooting, Garcia ran back to the car, which had three other males inside, Zayyad said.

Nearby police officers saw Garcia run back to the car, which then sped away, Zayyad said. Police stopped the car a short distance away and one person inside looked back at the officers, who recognized him from their routine patrol.

The motorist then drove away before the officers could approach and a chase ensued, Zayyad said.The pursuit was called off near the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) at Pulaski Road.

Witnesses allegedly saw Garcia throw a gun out the window of the car, Zayyad said.

Police recorded the license plate number and issued an investigative alert, Zayyad said. The car was found burning later that night.

In December 2013, investigators spoke with the passenger who looked at the officers, Zayyad said. That passenger said Garcia fatally shot Gonzalez in a "gang revenge shooting."

Garcia, of the 2700 block of South St. Louis Avenue, was arrested Feb. 22 and charged with one count of first-degree murder, authorities said.

He appeared before Judge Laura Sullivan Monday dressed in a black and gray Chicago Bulls jacket and blue jeans and was given a next court date of March 14.

Garcia lives with his mother, has a baby on the way and is working towards earning his G.E.D., his public defender said.

Valentin Garcia | Homicide Watch Chicago

Valentin Garcia held without bond for allegedly killing Javier Gonzalez in Little Village shooting