Chicago police have revealed that Antonio Reyes, now 21 years old, faces five new felony counts of first-degree murder and four counts of attempted first-degree murder. These charges are in connection to the deaths of six individuals within a nine-month period in 2020 when Reyes was a teenager.
According to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, the five killings Reyes is now charged with occurred between March and November 2020. The victims, aged between 16 and 31, were tragically targeted in separate incidents. Additionally, Reyes is accused of three counts of attempted murder involving children aged 3 to 9 who were present during one of the fatal shootings.
Authorities highlighted the callous nature of the crimes, emphasizing the disregard Reyes allegedly showed toward human life. The victims, who had no apparent connection to Reyes prior to the incidents, were senselessly targeted in various locations and circumstances.
Reyes had been in custody since December 2020, awaiting trial for the murder of a 26-year-old man in June of that year. The recent charges add to the severity of his legal situation, with allegations of multiple murders and attempted murders.
Investigative efforts were crucial in linking Reyes to the crimes. The recovery of a 40-caliber handgun in 2020 provided a significant breakthrough, as it tied Reyes to multiple crime scenes through ballistic evidence. Furthermore, Reyes' social media activity played a role in the investigation, helping detectives establish connections to some of the incidents.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Reyes maintains his plea of not guilty to the new charges. He is currently held without bail and is scheduled for a detention hearing on March 18 to address the recent cases.
Family members of the victims expressed a mix of relief and ongoing grief upon hearing about the new charges. Nohemi Cossio, the mother of one of the victims, Claudio Cassio, shared her sentiments, stating that the legal developments bring a sense of justice for her son and the other innocent victims.
The Chicago Police Department and Cook County officials continue to investigate the case, exploring potential associates of Reyes and their involvement in related incidents. The community remains vigilant as the legal process unfolds, seeking closure and accountability for the lives lost to these tragic events.
