A Venezuelan man was sentenced to 33 years in prison for the murder of a 25-year-old in front of witnesses, as per court records on Wednesday. Kevin Perez Paredes, 26, was given this sentence by Cook County Judge Ursula Walowski following his guilty plea.
According to prosecutors, surveillance footage captured the victim, Crismer Nieves, entering an Englewood gas station at approximately 6:35 p.m. on September 10, 2024. Shortly thereafter, several individuals, including Perez Paredes, arrived in two SUVs.
Prosecutors noted that several individuals exited the vehicles, mingled briefly, and then returned. One person, not identified as Perez Paredes, was seen on surveillance putting on a ski mask.
During this time, Nieves exited the gas station and greeted Perez Paredes with a handshake and a brief conversation, as stated by prosecutors. The video then showed Nieves suddenly running as Perez Paredes opened his car door.
The SUVs pursued him beyond camera range. Approximately two blocks away, two witnesses in a car on the 7100 block of South Yale Avenue observed an SUV pull in front of them. They reported seeing a gunman exit the passenger seat while Nieves was on the ground, unarmed and pleading, “No! No! No!”
Perez Paredes then shot Nieves multiple times, hitting him in the head and arm while he was begging, according to prosecutors.
Chicago police traced the SUVs’ license plates from the gas station video and eventually found the Jeep with Perez Paredes driving and the individual who allegedly wore the ski mask in the passenger seat.
Although neither witness could identify Perez Paredes from photo lineups, prosecutors stated that he confessed to being the shooter, and detectives uncovered text messages on his phone where he allegedly admitted to the act.
Perez Paredes is required to serve the entirety of his sentence under Illinois law.
