Andre Franzell, a 23-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on February 18, 2018, in the Scottsdale neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The incident occurred in the driveway of a residence located in the 7700 block of South Kilbourn Avenue. The alleged perpetrator, Luis "Snoop" Contreras, a 39-year-old member of the Latin Saints gang, was charged with murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and illegal possession of firearms and
ammunition.
According to the federal indictment, Contreras carried out the murder to maintain and improve his status within the gang. The Latin Saints, a violent street gang, engaged in narcotics trafficking and acts of violence to acquire and preserve their territory on the South Side of Chicago. Members of the gang publicly claimed responsibility for their activities, boasted about the gang on social media, and intimidated rival gang members through acts and threats of violence.
On the day of the incident, Contreras allegedly shot Franzell in the driveway, fatally wounding him. Another man was also injured in the shooting, sustaining a gunshot wound to the foot. The indictment further alleges that Contreras illegally possessed a semiautomatic rifle, a 9mm Glock pistol, and four .22 caliber cartridges.
The charges against Contreras include one count of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and two counts of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. If convicted, Contreras faces a mandatory life sentence, with the possibility of the death penalty. The indictment was returned in federal court in Chicago, and an arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
