Fred Christiansen, a 66-year-old white male from Chicago, IL, was tragically murdered on February 6, 1965. The incident occurred during a crime spree by three teenagers. Fred Christiansen was shot nine times by George Del Vecchio, a 16-year-old, while his accomplices, Joseph Varchetto and Eugene Waswil, both also teenagers, kicked the dying man to silence his cries for help.
The motive behind the murder was to obtain money for drugs, and they managed to steal only $11 from Christiansen's wallet.
The case received significant attention in the Chicago area due to the brutal nature of the crime and the young age of the perpetrators. Del Vecchio and Varchetto pleaded guilty to the murder and were sentenced to the custody of the Illinois Youth Commission until they turned 21. Del Vecchio, who admitted to being under the influence of barbiturates at the time of the murder, was identified as the triggerman. The court retained jurisdiction over the two, allowing for the possibility of additional sentences or probation after they reached 17.
Eugene Waswil, the third accomplice, pleaded not guilty, and his case was continued. The murder of Fred Christiansen highlighted issues related to juvenile crime and drug abuse, leading to widespread public and media attention. The legal proceedings were closely followed, with Chief Justice Alexander J. Napoli overseeing the case.
In subsequent years, George Del Vecchio faced further legal troubles, including a 1979 conviction for another murder, burglary, rape, and deviate sexual assault. His earlier crime, the murder of Fred Christiansen, continued to be referenced in legal documents and appeals, underscoring the lasting impact of the tragic event on the community and the legal system.
