Arturo Cantu, a 39-year-old resident of Bridgeview, Illinois, was fatally shot on May 15, 2024, in the early morning hours. The incident occurred near the corner of South Oketo Avenue and 79th Street, where Cantu was walking to his car after remote-starting it. He was confronted by an individual near his vehicle and shot multiple times around 5 a.m..
Cantu's body was found on the easement in the area, and he was discovered with a knife in his hand, although it is unclear if the knife was used in the confrontation. His girlfriend was inside the apartment at the time of the shooting.
The investigation, assisted by the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, revealed that the shooting was part of a premeditated murder plot. Anthony Calderon, aged 20, and Agnieszka Rydzewski, aged 33, who was Cantu's girlfriend, have been charged in connection with the murder. Calderon was in a secret relationship with Rydzewski and allegedly targeted Cantu because of this relationship. Calderon was charged with first-degree murder, while Rydzewski was charged with solicitation to commit murder.
Video evidence from nearby businesses helped identify Calderon as the suspect. Investigators found text messages between Rydzewski and Calderon, detailing their plans to eliminate Cantu. Rydzewski had promised Calderon a relationship in return for his involvement in the plot. When a third party declined to carry out the murder, Calderon allegedly took matters into his own hands.
Both Calderon and Rydzewski worked at a local McDonald's together. Calderon appeared in court on Saturday, May 18, and Rydzewski appeared the following Sunday. The judge denied bond for Rydzewski, and her stepfather expressed relief that the perpetrators were in custody and would face justice.
Cantu's family, including his 10-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, is devastated by his death. They described him as a great dad who was always helping people. The community, which rarely experiences such violent incidents, was also shaken by the event.
Cantu's funeral arrangements were being supported by his family, including his ex-wife and parents, who were raising funds to cover the expenses. His children have been pleading for justice in their father's killing, urging anyone with information to come forward to help solve the case.
