Aurora, IL – A Kane County judge has sentenced an Aurora man to 90 years in prison for a deadly gang-related shooting that killed one man and seriously injured another.
According to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, Judge Barsanti on Thursday sentenced Samuel Garcia to the Illinois Department of Corrections after a jury convicted him on October 31, 2025, of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
Prosecutors said the convictions stem from a violent incident on the afternoon of September 24, 2022, in the 300 block of Center Avenue in Aurora. Authorities testified that Garcia exited a white sedan, confronted two men who had earlier intervened to help a juvenile Garcia was harassing, and began yelling gang slogans before opening fire with a silver revolver.
One victim was shot in the face and left arm but survived after being taken to a local hospital. The second victim, Ferrer Velasquez, attempted to flee but fell to the ground. Prosecutors said Garcia stood over him and fired two shots into his head before fleeing eastbound. Velasquez was pronounced dead at the scene.
At trial, prosecutors proved Garcia personally discharged the firearm, triggering a mandatory 25-years-to-life sentencing enhancement. Garcia received 55 years for first-degree murder, which must be served at 100%, and 35 years for attempted murder, of which at least 85% must be served. He was credited with 1,198 days already served in the Kane County Jail.
Aurora police later tracked the vehicle involved and identified the driver as Alonzo Sanchez, who was also arrested and charged.
Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Anderson said the sentence sends a clear message that gang violence will not be tolerated in Kane County and credited investigators and community members who helped secure the conviction.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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