Chicago police have announced the arrest of 21-year-old Antonio Reyes, who is now facing charges for a series of six murders and four attempted murders that occurred over a nine-month period in 2020. Reyes, who was 17 at the time of the alleged offenses, is accused of targeting individuals in the Gage Park, Brighton Park, and West Lawn neighborhoods without any apparent connection to the victims.
The investigation into these incidents has been extensive, with authorities meticulously connecting evidence to build a case against Reyes. A significant breakthrough came with the recovery of a .40-caliber handgun, which forensic analysis linked to shell casings found at multiple crime scenes. Additionally, Reyes’ activity on social media provided further leads that investigators pursued diligently.
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke highlighted the randomness and brutality of the attacks, noting that the victims were engaged in everyday activities when they were targeted. One victim was en route to a gas station to purchase a beverage, while another was sitting in a parked car with a friend on a Sunday afternoon. Tragically, in one instance, a father was taking his children to buy a new puppy when he was fatally shot in front of them.
Reyes has been in custody since December 2020, following his arrest for the murder of 26-year-old Luis Davalos on June 24, 2020, in the 5800 block of South Rockwell Street. While incarcerated, he allegedly attempted to kill his cellmate using a makeshift weapon, leading to additional charges.
The recent charges encompass five additional murders and four attempted murders, including an incident where three children, aged between 3 and 9, witnessed their father’s shooting. Authorities believe that Reyes acted alone and that the victims were randomly selected, with no known connections to him.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed hope that these developments would bring some solace to the victims’ families, emphasizing the department’s commitment to pursuing justice, even in cases that take years to resolve.
Reyes appeared in court earlier this week, pleading not guilty to the new charges. He is scheduled for his next court appearance on March 18 and remains held without bail.
Sources:
- ‘Serial Killer’ Murdered 6 People On Southwest Side In 2020, Officials Say
- ‘So many in one year’: Alleged serial killer charged in multiple murders in Chicago
- Chicago Man in Jail on Murder Charge Since 2020 Now Accused of 5 Additional Killings
- Man charged in 6 murders on Southwest Side over several months in 2020, Chicago police say
- 21-year-old accused serial killer charged with multiple murders and attempted murders
