An Aurora man has been sentenced to 90 years in prison after being convicted of murder and attempted murder related to a gang-related shooting incident in September 2022.
Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced today that Judge Barsanti has sentenced 27-year-old Samuel Garcia of Aurora to 90 years of imprisonment for the offenses of first-degree murder (a class M felony) and attempt first-degree murder (a class X felony).
At trial, prosecutors proved that Garcia personally discharged the murder weapon, resulting in a mandatory add-on of 25 years to life for each count.
According to prosecutors, on the afternoon of September 24, 2022, Garcia exited a white sedan on the 300 block of Center Avenue in Aurora and, brandishing a silver revolver, confronted two men who had earlier come to the aid of a juvenile whom Garcia was harassing. Garcia yelled gang slogans, and fired the revolver, shooting one of the men 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, shot him twice in the head, returned to the sedan and fled eastbound. Ferrer Velasquez was pronounced dead on the scene. The other victim was taken to a local hospital and recovered from his injuries. During the investigation of the incident, police racked down the vehicle and connected it to Garcia. The driver was identified as Alonzo Sanchez. The two men were subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempt first-degree murder.
Sanchez previously pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and accepted a sentence of 25 years in prison.
Garcia was sentenced to 55 years for First-Degree Murder, of which 100% must be served, and 35 years for Attempt Murder, of which a minimum of 85% must be served. Garcia receives credit for 1,198 days served in the Kane County jail.
“This sentence holds accountable not only the defendant but also sends a clear message that gang violence will not be tolerated in Kane County,” Assistant Kane County State’s Attorney Lori Anderson stated. “I want to recognize and thank the Aurora Police Department for their outstanding investigative work and gang intelligence, which brought swift justice to the victims.”
