Family mourns death of young man shot during street takeover in Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) – Family members said 20-year-old Guillermo Caballero was in the wrong place at the wrong time last weekend.

They said it was Caballero caught in a street takeover on weekends on the southwest side of the city. During the illegal meeting, he ended up in a chaotic circle of cars and people – and was unable to escape before he was shot.

The illegal road takeover seized the intersection of 59th Street and Western Avenue in Gage Park early Sunday morning.

““People were jumping on his car,” said Estrella Caballero, the victim’s younger sister. “I think in one of the videos you can see someone sitting on his hood.”

Police said Caballero drove down the street in a black sedan and tried to get through the crowd – with one person sitting on his hood and another blocking the car.

Several shots were then fired through the windshield.

“I’m angry, sad,” said Estrella Caballero. “They said he suffered two gunshot wounds to the face, one to the chest and one to the arm.”

Estrella Caballero said her brother was at a friend’s house and was on his way home when he came across the takeover. She described Guillermo Caballero as friendly, funny and the life of the party.

“He loved to sing,” Estrella Caballero said. “When we had our little gatherings here, he grabbed the microphone – he didn’t let go of the microphone.”

Circles of burnt rubber remained at the intersection of 59th and Western on Wednesday, a reminder of the deadly recklessness.

“It was definitely the wrong place at the wrong time,” Estrella Caballero said.

Street Takeoversor car stunt meeting, stay one persistent problem throughout the city and suburbs. They mainly occur in open areas or along Lower Wacker drive.

The Caballero family is demanding not only accountability, but also an end to illegal car meets.

“We’re trying to bring more attention to street takeovers,” Estrella Caballero said. “I definitely think more should be done to stop this.”

There had been no arrests as of late Wednesday. Chicago police are asking for additional images and videos from the carjacking to help identify the perpetrators.

An online fundraiser has been set up to help the family with funeral costs.

Anyone with information that could help police solve this crime should call Wentworth Area Detectives at 312-747-8380 or email Wentworth Area Detective Steven Reitz at steven.reitz@chicagopolice .org send.