One of three gunmen in liquor store shooting that left 5 injured gets 10-year sentence

The incident that took place at Goldmore Food & Liquors in Back of the Yards last year resulted in five people being injured and three individuals being charged for their involvement in the shooting. One of the accused, Luis Vargas, 25, has recently been sentenced to 10 years in prison, in addition to another five years for a separate gun case that he had pending at the time of the incident.

Vargas reached a plea deal with prosecutors, making him the first of the accused to resolve the cases stemming from the shooting on March 14. The events leading up to the shooting were captured on surveillance video, starting when Vargas confronted one of the victims inside the store, displaying a firearm in his waistband and escalating the situation by ordering the man outside to fight. The altercation further escalated when another victim revealed a gun as well.

As tensions rose, the store manager intervened by directing customers and staff to a back room and calling 911. During this time, both groups involved were seen passing firearms among themselves. Surveillance footage showed Angela Flores, 21, pulling out a gun and firing at the victims playing gaming machines inside the store. Vargas and Alonso Molina, 20, also fired shots as the group fled the scene. One of the victims returned fire, injuring Flores in the process.

Detectives reviewing the surveillance footage noted Vargas making insulting hand gestures towards the Gangster Disciples street gang. The video also captured one of the victims displaying gang-related hand signs. The store manager informed the police that prior arguments between the two groups, including Vargas, had never involved weapons or death threats.

It was revealed that Vargas had a previous gun-related incident nearly a year before the shooting, where he confessed to possessing a defaced firearm that he discarded while evading officers. Charges were dropped initially but were later refiled in August 2024. Vargas pleaded guilty to aggravated battery by discharging a firearm in connection with the shooting, resulting in the dropping of 18 other felony charges, including attempted murder.

Vargas must serve 85% of the 10-year sentence imposed by Judge Ursula Walowski and half of the five-year sentence for the gun case, with a projected parole date of February 22, 2036. Meanwhile, Molina and Flores are still contesting the allegations against them.

This detailed account of the events highlights the severity of the situation and the legal consequences faced by those involved. The investigation and legal proceedings surrounding the shooting serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and safety within our communities.