Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced today that Judge Barsanti has sentenced Samuel Garcia to 90 years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
On October 31, 2025 a jury convicted Garcia of the offenses first-degree murder (class M felony) and attempt first-degree murder (class X felony). At trial, prosecutors proved that Garcia personally discharged the murder weapon, resulting in a mandatory add-on of 25 years to life for each count.
Assistant State’s Attorneys Lori Anderson and Amanda Busljeta presented the following facts in court. On the afternoon of September 24, 2022, Samuel Garcia exited a white sedan on the 300 block of Center Avenue in Aurora, and while brandishing a silver revolver, confronted two men who had come to the aid of a juvenile who Garcia was harassing earlier.
Garcia yelled gang slogans, and fired the revolver, shooting one of the men in his face and left arm. The second man, Ferrer Velasquez, attempted to flee but stumbled and fell to the ground. Garcia stood over Velasquez, shot him twice in the head, returned to the sedan, and fled eastbound. Ferrer Velasquez was pronounced dead on the scene. The other victim was transported to a local hospital and recovered from his injuries.
Through an extensive investigation, the Aurora Police Department tracked down the vehicle and connected it to Garcia. The driver was identified as Alonzo Sanchez. The two men were subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempt first-degree murder.
Garcia was sentenced to 55 years for First-Degree Murder, of which 100% must be served, and 35 years for Attempt Murder, of which a minimum of 85% must be served. Garcia receives credit for 1,198 days served in the Kane County jail.
“This sentence holds accountable not only the defendant but also sends a clear message that gang violence will not be tolerated in Kane County. I want to recognize and thank the Aurora Police Department for their outstanding investigative work and gang intelligence, which brought swift justice to the victims. The citizens of Aurora also deserve recognition for their courage in coming forward and making the conviction possible. It was mine and ASA Amanda Busljeta’s honor to prosecute this case on behalf of the office and to seek justice for the community. This sentence underscores our shared commitment to community safety and stopping senseless gang violence.”
— Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Anderson
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