On March 21, 2025, 59-year-old Latino male Adalberto “Sabu” Santiago was found dead from a gunshot wound to the back inside a residence on the 6100 block of South Justine Street in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Another man, 45-year-old Cesar Cervantes, was also discovered deceased in the same home, his body bound with zip ties and his head wrapped in duct tape. A. 38-caliber revolver was found near Cervantes' head, and a single spent shell casing was located in the dining room.
Adalberto Santiago, a Latino male, had a significant criminal history. In 2019, he was released from federal prison after serving a 20-year sentence for a drug conviction. Prosecutors had attempted to extend his sentence by alleging his involvement in the 2004 suffocation and dismemberment of jewelry store owner Jesus Colon, though he was never charged in that case. In 2014, while still incarcerated, Santiago was charged with the 2001 killing of Ramon Torres, accused of stabbing and shooting Torres during a home invasion. However, he was acquitted after DNA evidence linking him to the crime was contested.
At the time of his death, Adalberto Santiago was fully dressed and wearing black gloves. Police sources suggested that he may have shot Cervantes during a robbery, after which a third individual possibly shot Santiago. A witness reported hearing gunshots around 1:30 p.m. and observed a man fleeing the scene. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
