Luis Fernando Cornejo Ojeda, a 14-year-old Hispanic boy, tragically lost his life on November 29, 2021, in Chicago, Illinois. The incident occurred in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, where Luis was walking outside around 12:50 a.m. in the 1800 block of West 46th Street. He was approached by an assailant who opened fire, striking him in the arm and leg.
Despite being rushed to Stroger Hospital, Luis succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The investigation into Luis's death revealed that he had been dropped off by his mother to visit a girl in the area. Shortly after his arrival, he was shot multiple times. Despite his grave injuries, Luis managed to provide crucial information to the responding officers. He identified his shooter as "Alex," a name he mentioned to the police before he passed away. This information was captured on an officer's body-worn camera and corroborated by a high school friend who was on a Facetime call with Luis at the time.
Following this lead, the police arrested 16-year-old Alejandro Martinez, who was charged as an adult with first-degree murder. Surveillance footage showed Luis being dropped off and then standing in front of a building before a person in a hooded sweatshirt emerged from a gangway and shot him five times. Martinez was identified as the shooter by Luis's friend and was taken into custody shortly after the incident. He was held without bail and was expected to appear in court later in December 2021.
The case of Luis Fernando Cornejo Ojeda highlights the tragic consequences of gun violence and the impact it has on young lives. The swift identification and arrest of the suspect, Alejandro Martinez, were crucial steps in seeking justice for Luis and his family. The community mourned the loss of a young boy whose life was cut short by senseless violence.
