Edwin Varela-Santos, a 19-year-old resident of Aurora, Illinois, tragically lost his life on August 20, 2023. He was found by Aurora police in a crashed vehicle in the 1300 block of North Glen Circle, suffering from gunshot wounds.
The incident led to a swift investigation, resulting in the arrest of three teenagers on August 24, 2023. The suspects include a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy, both from Aurora, and another 15-year-old boy from Montgomery.
All three have been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with Varela-Santos's death. Additionally, the 16-year-old is facing an extra charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon due to not having a firearm owner's identification.
Due to their juvenile status, the names of the suspects have not been released by the police. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are seeking any additional information from the public. Those with knowledge about the incident are encouraged to contact the Aurora Police Department's Investigations Division or the Aurora Area Crime Stoppers.
Edwin Varela-Santos was a graduate of East Aurora High School and is survived by his parents and three brothers. His passing has been mourned by his family and community, as reflected in his obituary.
