Chicago, IL — A Chicago man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 17-year-old boy, who was killed while driving home from soccer practice in the city’s Little Village neighborhood earlier this summer. Authorities identified the man as 33-year-old Jesus Pena Jr., also a resident of Little Village.
He faces charges including first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm. The tragic incident unfolded on the evening of August 19, when Juan Sebastian Salgado was returning home with two friends after their soccer practice.
According to prosecutors, as they neared the intersection of 26th Street and Keeler Avenue around 5 p.m., a Chevy Avalanche began tailing them. Occupants of the Avalanche reportedly yelled at Salgado and his friends to “Throw down the crown,” insinuating a gang affiliation. The boys insisted they were not involved with any gangs.
It is alleged that Pena Jr., from within the Avalanche, fired shots into Salgado’s vehicle, fatally wounding him. The bullet struck Salgado in the shoulder, while his friends, aged 17 and 18, escaped physical injury.
Salgado was quickly taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His death has been widely mourned, particularly at Benito Juarez Community Academy where he was the captain of the soccer team and was preparing for his senior year.
In a solemn remembrance, family and friends held a vigil for Salgado at his school on August 26, testament to a community shaken by his untimely death. Meanwhile, investigative efforts into the shooting led to significant breakthroughs.
Security footage obtained from an auto shop shortly after the incident appeared to capture Pena Jr. changing his attire. Additional footage showed him later entering a liquor store in Cicero wearing the new clothes. During the subsequent legal proceedings, both surviving witnesses positively identified Pena Jr. as the assailant.
Pena Jr., who was apprehended this past Monday, has a record of prior felony convictions. In court, his defense argued that he was at home during the time the crime was committed, disputing his involvement. “This is a tragic incident, but you do not have the right individual,” maintained his attorney during the hearing.
Interestingly, Pena Jr. is employed as a peacekeeper by New Life Centers, an organization engaging in street outreach to curtail neighborhood violence. This entity is associated with New Life Community Church which operates multiple locations across Chicago.
As the case progresses, the judge, Caroline Glennon-Goodman, has ordered that Pena Jr. be held in custody until trial. His next court appearance is set for October 30, promising to be a critical juncture in a case that has drawn significant attention and stirred debates over community safety and justice in Little Village.