Christian Acevedo Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murders
An 18-year-old, Christian Acevedo, was sentenced to 46 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to a 2022 shooting outside Benito Juarez Community Academy in Chicago. The December 16th incident claimed the lives of two teenagers and injured two others.
Deadly Shooting and Legal Proceedings
The shooting unfolded shortly after dismissal, leaving 15-year-old Brandon Perez and 14-year-old Nathan Billegas dead. Two other teens were also wounded. Acevedo, who was 16 at the time, was charged as an adult in February 2023.
Breakdown of Sentence
Following the guilty plea, Cook County Judge sentenced Acevedo to a total of 46 years. This includes 20 years each for the two murder counts, with a mandatory minimum sentence requiring him to serve the full term. An additional six-year sentence for attempted murder mandates serving 85%, resulting in a minimum of 45 years behind bars.
Defense Acknowledges Tragedy
While acknowledging the tragic nature of the event, Acevedo’s attorney, Nicholas Giordano, emphasized his client’s acceptance of responsibility. He highlighted the significant portion of Acevedo’s life that will be spent incarcerated.
Gang Affiliation and Motive
Prosecutors allege that Acevedo approached a group that included the victims and inquired about their gang affiliation. A brief exchange ensued before Acevedo opened fire.
Victims and School Attendance
It was revealed that Acevedo had previously attended Benito Juarez Community Academy during the relevant academic year but was expelled due to disciplinary and academic issues. The victims, Brandon Perez, attended the same school, while Nathan Billegas was a student at Chicago Bulls College Prep.
