Fredi Aquilar Carrasco, a 31-year-old man from Waukegan, Illinois, was found dead on January 26, 2025, in what authorities described as a tragic incident involving gunfire. The events unfolded on West Greenwood Avenue in Waukegan, where police responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered Carrasco outside in the yard of a home, suffering from a fatal gunshot wound to the head. A loaded firearm was found next to his body, leading investigators to believe that the wound was self-inflicted.
Earlier that evening, another individual, 28-year-old Leobardo Diaz, was found inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound to his back. He was transported to Vista Medical Center East, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities later determined that Carrasco had fired the shot that killed Diaz while they were inside the vehicle. Following the shooting, Carrasco fled the scene and was later found deceased behind a nearby home.
Investigators revealed that four individuals, including Carrasco and Diaz, were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting. The group was reportedly driving around in search of cocaine when Carrasco, seated in the rear, fired into the driver’s seat, striking Diaz. The other occupants of the vehicle stated that there had been no argument prior to the shooting, and authorities classified the incident as accidental. The two surviving passengers were released pending further developments in the case.
The Waukegan Police Department’s Major Crime Scene Unit responded to the incident, conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. While the two shootings were separate, authorities confirmed they were linked to the same event. The Lake County Coroner’s Office performed autopsies on both victims, confirming the causes of death. However, officials had not yet ruled on the manner of death for either individual at the time of reporting.
Authorities continue to review the case, but no additional arrests or litigations have been reported. The incident remains a tragic example of the dangers associated with firearms and drug-related activities.
