Julian Hernandez, a 16-year-old Hispanic male from Melrose Park, Illinois, tragically lost his life on February 19, 2017. The incident occurred in the 1900 block of North 17th Avenue, where Julian was shot in the chest. He was found bleeding on the street and was treated by bystanders before being transported to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Despite efforts to save him, Julian was pronounced dead at 5:16 p.m. that same day.
The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound to the torso.
The investigation into Julian Hernandez's death revealed that the shooting stemmed from an argument in front of an apartment building. Reinaldo Collazo Sr., 49, and his son, Reinaldo Collazo Jr., 22, were involved in the altercation. According to police reports, Collazo Sr. retrieved a firearm and fired a shot into the air before handing the gun to his son. Collazo Jr. then fired at least one shot, striking Julian in the chest. Both father and son were documented gang members, as was Julian.
Following the shooting, Collazo Sr. was arrested at the scene, while Collazo Jr. fled and was apprehended days later in Schiller Park after an intensive manhunt. Collazo Jr. was charged with first-degree murder, and his father faced charges of reckless discharge of a firearm, possessing a firearm without a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card, and obstructing justice. The case against the Collazos highlighted the ongoing issues of gang violence and illegal firearms in the community.
The tragic death of Julian Hernandez not only brought attention to the dangers faced by young individuals in gang-affiliated environments but also underscored the need for community intervention and support to prevent such incidents. The legal proceedings against the Collazos aimed to bring justice for Julian and his family, while also addressing the broader issues of violence and safety in Melrose Park.
