Accused Serial Killer Allegedly Murdered 6 Strangers in a Year, Prosecutors Say: ‘Disregard for Human Life’

Antonio Reyes, now 21, stands accused of being a serial killer responsible for six fatal shootings across Chicago in 2020, when he was just 16 and 17 years old. He faces multiple first-degree murder charges as well as several attempted murder counts related to a string of unprecedented violence that devastated the city’s Southwest Side over a nine-month period.

The Arrest and Charges

Reyes was initially arrested in December 2020 for the shooting death of Luis Davalos Garcia in June of the same year. Since then, investigators linked him to five additional homicides through ballistic evidence and social media activity. In February 2025, prosecutors formally charged Reyes with five new counts of first-degree murder and four counts of attempted murder, including cases involving children as young as three years old.

Random Victims with No Connection

Chicago police and Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke emphasized that Reyes targeted complete strangers, with none of the victims known personally to him. The shootings appeared random: one victim was killed while buying soda at a gas station, another was shot while sitting in a car with a friend outside a church on Palm Sunday, and one man was fatally wounded while taking his family to buy a puppy.

The Impact on Victims’ Families and Community

The families of the victims expressed profound grief and relief that Reyes is now behind bars. One mother spoke emotionally about the daily heartbreak since her son’s death. City officials, including Chicago Mayor and police leaders, praised the relentless detective work leading to the arrest of this dangerous individual who shattered a sense of safety in the city.

Evidence and Investigation

Reyes’ conviction relied on linking a .40 caliber handgun recovered from one crime scene to multiple shootings, along with surveillance footage and witness testimonies. Detectives also found incriminating social media posts and analyzed behavioral patterns from the accused, shedding light on his motives and escalating violence. While incarcerated, Reyes also attempted to kill a cellmate with a makeshift weapon.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Reyes has pleaded not guilty to the newly added charges and is currently held at the Cook County Jail with a high bail set. The court process will include hearings, evidence presentations, and potential trial dates. Prosecutors intend to present a strong case demonstrating Reyes’ culpability in this spree of killings that terrorized neighborhoods and families.