On December 16, 2022, Brandon Perez, aged 15, and Nathan Billegas, aged 14, were shot dead on the grounds of Chicago's Benito Juarez Community Academy, following a dispute about their suspected gang affiliation. Two other students were wounded by gunfire. The shooting took place at a pathway leading to the school, shortly after the end of the school day, as students were walking out of school. A 16-year-old ex-student of the school was arrested in February 2023, and charged over the deaths.[1][2] 8 shell casings were found on the ground by police at the crime scene. The shooter was sentenced on June 17, 2024, to 48 years of prison.[3]
The gangs involved were rival Hispanic American gangs. Acevedo had been seen driving a stolen car that day, according to police and witnesses.
Acevedo had been expelled for issues related to behavior and grades, and was suspected of gang affiliation by police and those who knew him prior to the shooting.
