Chicago Man Sentenced in Murder of Seven-Year-Old Girl

Cook County Circuit Judge James Schreier sentenced a Chicago man today to 56 years
in prison for his role in the 2003 murder of a seven-year-old Pilsen girl. 

Juan Garcia, 19 was convicted by a jury in November of first-degree murder and attempted
first-degree murder.

On August 20, 2003, Garcia and co-defendant Justin Chapman drove up to an individual they believed was a rival gang member and began shooting at him. When the intended victim fled, Garcia continued firing at him as he chased after him on foot.  A stray bullet struck and killed 7-year-old Anna Mateo in the head as she played in front of her Pilsen home.

Chapman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder on November 20, 2006 and was sentenced to 12 years in prison by Judge James Schreier.

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