CHICAGO, IL – On a chilly December day, the community of Gage Park found itself at the center of a tragic event that left three people dead and five others injured. The deadly mass shooting, which occurred during a gathering at a now-shuttered home near West 59th Street and St. Louis Avenue, has left residents and authorities searching for answers.
As investigators strive to piece together the events of that fateful night, the Cook County Crime Stoppers organization has doubled the reward for information leading to an arrest. The total sum now stands at $20,000, a combination of contributions from both the Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The goal is to encourage anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, even if anonymously.
In the weeks since the shooting, no arrests have been made, and the families of the victims—Hector Victor Miguel Soho Vargas, John Carlos, and Angel Ferrer—are still seeking justice. The community, characterized by its resilience, remains hopeful that the increased reward will prompt someone to provide the crucial tip that could solve the case.
Volunteers and investigators have been canvassing the neighborhood, going door-to-door in hopes of finding someone who might have witnessed something or overheard crucial information. Their efforts are not just about solving this particular crime but also about restoring a sense of safety and trust within the community.
Cook County Crime Stoppers, established in the late 1980s, has a longstanding history of success. With over 14,200 tips received, the organization has helped solve more than 2,600 cases and led to the arrest of over 3,100 individuals. These statistics underscore the power of community involvement and the difference that can be made when individuals come forward.
The organization is urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to step up. Even the smallest detail could be the missing piece that helps bring closure to the victims’ families and restore peace to the community.
As the investigation continues, the community of Gage Park is reminded of the importance of solidarity and cooperation in the face of tragedy. The hope is that with the public’s assistance, justice will be served, and the neighborhood can begin to heal.