Chicago — Nearly two years following a tragic incident in West Lawn, Chicago authorities have charged a man in connection with the shooting death of a 3-year-old boy. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Govanni Hernandez from Berwyn, faces several felony charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder, stemming from what police described as a road rage confrontation.
The September 2022 incident, which claimed the life of Mateo Zastro, has gripped the local community and prompted exhaustive investigative efforts by law enforcement. According to detectives, the culmination of relentless police work finally led to Hernandez’s arrest. Evidence pivotal to building the case included DNA analysis and keen witness accounts, which together pointed to Hernandez’s alleged involvement in the harrowing episode.
Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti shared during a news conference that Mateo’s death sparked a comprehensive investigation by Area 1 detectives dedicated to securing justice for the victim’s family. “Our detectives have tirelessly pursued every lead in this case, aiming to bring peace and closure to a family irrevocably scarred by this senseless act,” Ursitti stated.
The drama unfolded in a typically quiet Chicago neighborhood, near Cicero Avenue and West 71st Street. The suspect and the victim’s vehicle were reportedly involved in a road rage altercation, which escalated dramatically. Mateo’s mother attempted to escape the assailant’s vehicle, but the pursuit continued. Just blocks away, on Marquette Road near Kildare Avenue, their vehicle was overtaken and came under fire.
Tragically, Mateo was in the vehicle with three siblings when he was struck by gunfire, suffering a fatal head wound. Despite the mother’s desperate efforts to reach safety, driving to South Pulaski Road near West 66th Place, Mateo was later pronounced dead at Christ Hospital.
Commander Bryan Spreyne of the 8th District recounted the events at the time, highlighting the immediate danger the family faced and their frantic efforts to find safety. “In a matter of moments, a family’s routine drive erupted into a terrifying chase and fatal attack,” Spreyne said.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of road rage and its potentially deadly consequences. Community leaders and safety advocates have since called for increased measures to prevent such violent incidents, stressing the importance of maintaining calm and courtesy on the road.
Hernandez is slated to appear in court for a preliminary hearing, where the charges against him will be further addressed. Meanwhile, the community and the Zastro family await justice, hoping the legal process will offer some solace in the aftermath of their profound loss.
As the case progresses, the impact of this tragic event continues to resonate, reminding the public of the devastating effects of unchecked anger and violence, particularly on the lives of the innocent.