Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Fatal Shooting of Friend During Carjacking

A 23-year-old man, Isaias Salas, has been handed a 30-year prison sentence for the murder of his friend, 21-year-old Julbert Hernandez, during a botched carjacking in Rogers Park. The sentencing was delivered by Judge Angela Munari-Petrone after Salas pleaded guilty to one count of murder in connection with the incident.

The tragic event unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, May 3, 2022, on North Wolcott Avenue, where Hernandez was fatally shot 18 times during the attempted hijacking. Another individual involved, Isaiah Cardona, is still facing charges in relation to the case.

Authorities revealed that the night began as a gathering of friends, with Hernandez driving the group, including Salas, Cardona, and a fourth man, to Salas’ residence in Rogers Park. However, the situation took a violent turn as Salas initiated an attack on Hernandez, leading to a chase involving Cardona as Hernandez tried to escape. The confrontation escalated, culminating in Salas donning a mask and opening fire, resulting in Hernandez being fatally wounded.

Following the shooting, Salas and the fourth individual sought refuge in a nearby Chicago Housing Authority building where they shared an apartment. Initially, Cardona provided misleading information to the authorities, claiming he was a bystander who had been shot while trying to intervene in a fight. However, evidence such as Hernandez’s belongings found near Cardona and incriminating Facebook messages from the fourth suspect’s account contradicted his account.

Investigations uncovered discussions on social media planning the carjacking and describing it as a robbery that went awry. Despite having no prior criminal record, Salas now faces three decades in prison for his role in the tragic incident.