A 26-year-old Aurora man has been found guilty of murder and attempted murder in a 2022 gang-related shooting in Aurora.
Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced that today a jury found Samuel Garcia guilty of first-degree murder (a class M felony) and attempt first-degree murder (a class X felony).
On the afternoon of September 24, 2022, a white sedan pulled up to the 300 block of Center Avenue in Aurora and Garcia exited the passenger seat brandishing a silver revolver. Garcia confronted two men, yelled gang slogans, and fired the revolver at one of them, shooting him in his face and left arm. The second man, Ferrer Velasquez, attempted to flee but stumbled and fell to the ground. Garcia stood over Velasquez and shot him twice in the head. Garcia returned to the sedan and they fled eastbound.
Ferrer Velasquez was pronounced dead on the scene.
The other victim was taken to a local hospital and recovered from his injuries.
According to witnesses, earlier that afternoon Velasquez and the other victim had come to the aid of a juvenile who was being harassed by Garcia and the other occupants of the sedan. Garcia committed the shooting moments later. Through an extensive investigation, the Aurora Police Department tracked down the vehicle and connected it to Garcia and co-defendant Alonzo Sanchez, who were subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempt first-degree murder.
Garcia faces a sentence of between 20-60 years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections for first-degree murder with the mandatory add on of 25 years to life because the State proved that Garcia personally discharged the firearm that caused the death of Ferrer Velasquez. He also faces 6-30 years imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections for attempt first-degree murder with the mandatory add on of 25 years to life because the State proved that Garcia personally discharged the firearm that caused great bodily harm. Garcia remains in custody at the Kane County jail.
“Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Ferrer Velasquez as they continue to grieve this senseless loss,” said Assistant State’s Attorneys Lori Anderson.
Judge Barsanti set Garcia’s next court appearance for January 7, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom 319 at the Kane County Judicial Center for post-trial motions and sentencing.
