Luis Antonio Morales, a 43-year-old Hispanic male, died on January 30, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois. Morales, known by the nickname "Spanky," was involved in a failed home invasion in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. During the incident, Morales was accidentally shot in the head by his accomplice, who remains at large. The shooting occurred on the front porch of a family's home at 2424 West Eastwood around 10 p.m. Morales was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death marked the end of a long and violent criminal history, which included multiple prison stints for firearms violations and burglary. Morales was a long-time and active member of the Latin Kings street gang, according to police and court records.
Morales' criminal record was extensive, with 69 different cases in Cook County criminal courts since 1994. His first prison sentence came in 1995 for defacing a firearm, leading to a two-year sentence after failing to fulfill the terms of his probation. Over the years, Morales faced numerous charges, including unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, receiving and possessing a stolen motor vehicle, illegal carrying of a firearm, and narcotics offenses. Despite being sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison, he was often released early for good behavior. His most recent prison stint was for aggravated DUI, which ended when his parole concluded on December 15, 2017.
The investigation into Morales' death revealed that he had been involved in a series of criminal activities leading up to the fatal incident. His accomplice, who accidentally shot him, has not been apprehended, and the case remains open. Morales' death highlights the dangers associated with a life of crime and the violent consequences that can arise from such activities. The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the home invasion and the identity of the accomplice who fled the scene.
