Two men were sentenced for their roles in the fatal shooting of a Franklin Heights High School student who suffered a gunshot while riding in another car on a highway.
Levi Santiago, who was 14 at the time of the Aug. 13, 2020 incident, was riding in a car with Eulises Marquez, who was 21. The pair was southbound about 10:35 p.m. Interstate 270 at Hall Road on the city’s Far West Side when someone fired shots at another vehicle.
Dominic Rodriguez, 16, and a 17-year-old boy were in that other vehicle Rodriguez, who attended Franklin Heights High School, died weeks later on Sept. 4, 2020, from his injuries.
The 17-year-old recovered.
Marquez and Santiago had ties to the “Spanish Cobras” gang, according to court records. Marquez identified himself as “Diablo” in documents reviewed in the investigation.
Rodriguez and the 17-year-old had met with Marquez and “Santi,” believed to be Santiago, twice on the day of the shooting for a drug transaction, court records say. During the second transaction, shortly before the shooting, Rodriguez told the 17-year-old that “Santi” had a gun and they should leave, according to records.
The vehicle with Rodriguez and the other teen tried to lose Marquez and Santiago’s vehicle, leading to a chase on the highway.
The other teen told police Rodriguez had “beef” with someone in Marquez and Santiago’s vehicle, according to court records. The surviving teen told detectives that five to six shots were fired at his vehicle, hitting Rodriguez and him.
In a separate case, Marquez pleaded guilty to intimidation of a witness. That charge was filed, according to court records, after a letter was found, signed by “Diablo,” discussing efforts to make sure a witness to the shooting was unable to testify if the case went to trial.
According to court records, Marquez also pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault. Santiago entered an Alford plea to involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault. An Alford plea is not an admission of guilt but acknowledges that there is enough evidence for a jury to convict.
Charges of aggravated murder, murder and attempted murder were dropped as part of plea deals for both Marquez and Santiago.
Judge Jaiza Page sentenced Marquez to a term of at least 14 and no more than 19 years in prison for both cases.
Santiago, who turned 18 in March, received a sentence of seven to 10 years in prison.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Two sentenced for teen’s I-270 death tied to Spanish Cobra gang
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
