On August 19, 2024, 17-year-old Juan Salgado was fatally shot while driving in the 3800 block of West 26th Street in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. Salgado, a student at Juarez Community Academy, was just one week away from starting his senior year and was set to become the captain of the school's soccer team. He was driving a teammate home after soccer practice at Harrison Park, as the teammate had shown up to practice feeling unwell.
The incident occurred when a truck pulled up to Salgado's car near the intersection of 26th and Hamlin, and someone inside the truck began firing shots. Salgado was hit in the shoulder and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Salgado was remembered by his family, teammates, and community as an exemplary student and athlete. He was known for his passion, dedication, and kindness, and had earned about 40 sports medals in his short life. He also played for the Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club and had interests in karate and volleyball. A vigil was held at Benito Juarez Community Academy, where friends, family, and teammates gathered to honor his memory.
Initially, no one was in custody for Salgado's murder, and the investigation was ongoing. However, on October 9, 2024, Jesus Pena Jr., a 33-year-old Chicago man, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm. Pena was identified as the suspect in the shooting and is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing. Two other teens, aged 17 and 18, who were in the car with Salgado at the time of the shooting, were not injured.
