Angel Cano, a 16-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically killed on May 21, 2013, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Authorities discovered his body near 43rd Street and Paulina, where he had been shot once in the torso and five times in the head. The brutal nature of the crime shocked the community and highlighted the ongoing gang violence in the area.
The investigation revealed that Angel Cano was allegedly associated with the Satan Disciples gang.
On the day of his death, he had arranged to purchase marijuana. Joel Batalla, a 17-year-old member of the rival Latin Saints gang, lured Cano and two others into an alley under the pretense of facilitating the drug deal. After instructing them to wait, Batalla returned ten minutes later and opened fire on Cano, killing him instantly.
Following the murder, Batalla was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. During the trial, prosecutors detailed the premeditated nature of the crime, emphasizing Batalla's intent to eliminate a rival gang member. In 2016, Batalla pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 25 years in prison for each count, to be served concurrently. He received credit for the time already served in Cook County Jail and will be subject to three years of supervised release upon completing his sentence.
The case of Angel Cano underscores the devastating impact of gang violence on young lives and communities. Despite the conviction of his killer, the loss of this young Hispanic male remains a poignant reminder of the need for continued efforts to address and prevent gang-related violence in Chicago.
