Chicago Man Sentenced to 65 Years for Murdering Victim in Humboldt Park
Justin Cortes, a 29-year-old four-time convicted felon and reputed gang member, was handed a 65-year prison sentence on Monday for the murder of Angel Figueroa in Humboldt Park. Judge Thomas Byrne’s ruling came after Cortes was found guilty of murder and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm in October 2023. The sentencing was delayed due to post-trial motions, as per court records.
The fatal incident took place around 9 p.m. on August 6, 2021, when 38-year-old Angel Figueroa was traveling in a van with his girlfriend and daughter. Cortes, driving a silver Santa Fe, pulled up alongside them on the 3400 block of West Division and fired a single shot, fatally striking Figueroa in the face.
Following the shooting, investigators utilized both private and public surveillance footage to trace the Santa Fe to a smoke shop on West North Avenue. Video evidence from the store helped identify Cortes as the driver based on distinctive face tattoos and jewelry. Additionally, Cortes’ phone location data placed him near the scene of the crime at the time of the murder.
Judge Byrne imposed a 35-year sentence for the murder, along with a 25-year enhancement for personally firing the fatal shot. An additional five years were added for aggravated discharge. Cortes is mandated to serve the entire murder sentence under state law.
Prior to the murder, Cortes had been indicted on multiple gun and drug charges after authorities discovered drugs, a loaded gun, and cash in his residence. Despite this, bail was not set for Cortes, and he went on to commit the murder of Figueroa. In July 2023, Cortes pleaded guilty to drug possession in a separate case and received a three-year sentence.
