Montgomery Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Aurora Murder

A man from Montgomery has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to his role in the murder of Ferrer Velasquez, who was shot and killed in Aurora in September 2022. Alonzo Sanchez, aged 27, was convicted for driving the getaway car following the fatal shooting. The sentence was issued by Circuit Court Judge John Barsanti and mandates that Sanchez serve 100% of his prison term.

According to a news release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, Sanchez will receive credit for two years and 325 days already served in the Kendall County Jail since his arrest. His co-defendant, Samuel Garcia, was found guilty of first-degree murder on October 31, 2023, and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2024.

Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Anderson emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, “Alonzo Sanchez willingly took part in a senseless and brutal murder, and now he will spend the next two decades of his life in prison.” She acknowledged the irreparable harm caused to the victims and their families, expressing hope that the outcome would provide some measure of justice to the loved ones of Velasquez, who continue to mourn his loss.

The incident occurred on September 24, 2022, when Garcia and Sanchez drove to the 300 block of Center Avenue in Aurora. Prosecutors reported that Garcia exited the vehicle and confronted two men, shouting gang slogans before shooting one victim in the face and arm. The second victim, Velasquez, attempted to escape but fell to the ground, where he was shot twice in the head by Garcia. Velasquez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the shooting, Garcia fled in a white sedan driven by Sanchez. The other victim, who was shot in the face, managed to recover at a nearby hospital. Witnesses informed police that earlier that day, the victims had intervened to assist a minor allegedly harassed by Garcia and others in the sedan, just moments before the shooting took place.

The case was prosecuted by Anderson and her colleague, Amanda Busljeta. Anderson commended the efforts of the Aurora police detectives and witnesses for their crucial roles in securing convictions related to this tragic event.