Latin King Gang Member Sentenced to 27 Years for Killing 8-Year-Old Girl in Chicago
Emilio Corripio, a Latin King gang member, has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for fatally shooting 8-year-old Melissa Ortega in Chicago. The tragic incident occurred as Melissa was crossing Pulaski at 26th Street with her mother when Corripio opened fire on rival gang members, inadvertently hitting the young girl.
Surveillance footage captured the heartbreaking moment when the bullet meant for Corripio’s adversaries struck Melissa in the head, causing her to collapse in front of a bank entrance. The senseless act of violence shocked the community and highlighted the dangers of gang-related activities in the city.
At the time of the shooting, Corripio was on juvenile probation for previous offenses, including carjackings and a stolen vehicle case. Prosecutors revealed that he had identified himself as a member of the Latin Kings during previous arrests, indicating his involvement in gang activities.
Accompanying Corripio during the shooting was Xavier Guzman, who allegedly served as the getaway driver. Guzman, a former suburban cab driver, was off-duty when he picked up Corripio in his cab shortly before the incident. Prosecutors claimed that the pair had encountered rival gang members prior to the shooting, prompting Corripio to open fire on them.
Despite wearing a mask and dark clothing during the shooting, investigators were able to track Corripio’s movements through surveillance footage. The cab’s whereabouts led authorities to Guzman, who was arrested and implicated in the crime. Evidence, including firearm ballistics and fingerprints, linked Corripio to the scene of the shooting.
During the sentencing, Judge James Novy handed down a 27-year prison term to Corripio, holding him accountable for Melissa’s tragic death. Guzman’s case is also being overseen by Judge Novy, as he continues to face charges related to his involvement in the incident.
The loss of Melissa Ortega serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gang violence on innocent lives and underscores the importance of combating such criminal activities in communities across Chicago.
