Luis Antonio Santana, a 21-year-old Chicago resident, was tragically shot and killed in the early hours of June 17, 2013. The incident took place on the 1100 block of North Campbell Avenue, in the West Town neighborhood. At around 1 a.m., as Luis sat in his parked vehicle, two gunmen on motorcycles approached and opened fire, fatally injuring him. He was struck in the head and rushed to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, where he succumbed to his injuries. His case remains unsolved.
Luis, also known by his loved ones as “Luigi” and “Monkey,” was remembered for his warm personality, bright smile, and sense of humor. He had a passion for animals and aspired to become a veterinarian. From a young age, he kept a variety of pets, including dogs, reptiles, and birds, and frequently visited local pet stores to expand his collection. His family recalls his love for gaming, playing Nintendo games, and later enjoying PlayStation games like "Call of Duty."
In addition to his love for animals and gaming, Luis was also active in his community. He played softball during the summer in the local neighborhood park, always choosing to wear his favorite jersey number, three. He was known for being protective of his family, often watching over his cousins and supporting them in various endeavors. His untimely death has left a lasting impact on his family, who continue to remember him with warmth and fondness. The family has memorialized Luis in numerous ways, with several members even getting tattoos in his honor to keep his memory alive.
The violence that led to Luis's death occurred during a challenging time for Chicago, which saw a significant spike in gun violence in 2013. His loss is one among many that year that underscored the pervasive issues of gun violence and community safety in the city. Despite the years that have passed, Luis's case is still open, and his family and community continue to seek justice.
