A Chicago teenager’s birthday celebration trip to Mexico turned into a family’s worst nightmare when they were caught in a violent attack that claimed the lives of two family members and left the teen seriously injured. The incident occurred in the north-central state of Durango, leaving the family devastated and pleading for answers.
Vicente Peña Jr., 38, and Antonio “Tony” Fernandez, 44, both from Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, were killed in the attack, along with 22-year-old Jorge Eduardo Vargas Aguirre, according to authorities. The 14-year-old teen, whose name has not been released, had traveled to Mexico with his father and uncle to celebrate his birthday when the shooting occurred near the town of Las Palmas.
The teenager was critically injured and placed in a medically-induced coma. His father, Vicente Peña, who lost his son in the attack, expressed his devastation, saying, “They wiped out my entire family.” He is also the grandfather of the injured teenager.
According to officials, the family was traveling in an SUV with Illinois license plates when they were attacked in what has been described as a surge in violent crime in the area. The incident has left the family and the community in shock and mourning.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the family is pleading for answers on how the attack unfolded and who is responsible. The details of the incident are still unclear, leaving the family and the community in a state of confusion and grief.
“It was a massacre,” Peña said, translated from Spanish. “My son was shot four times in the head and once in the shoulder, and the other boy was also shot four times, once in the shoulder. The other boy who was with them was also shot three times.”
The family is also facing challenges in bringing the injured teenager back to the U.S. for specialized medical care. They have requested for him to be transferred, but doctors in Mexico have advised against it, citing his fragile condition.
“I ask for justice,” said Maria Elena Hernandez, the teen’s maternal grandmother, translated from Spanish. “My child is a studious child. He is studying boxing. Thank God he will not leave us now, but they will not provide insurance for him anymore.”
In the midst of this tragedy, the non-profit organization United Giving Hope has stepped in to help the family with their efforts to bring the boy back to the U.S. However, the family has also fallen victim to a scam using their name. The organization has issued a warning about the fraudulent account and urged people to be cautious.
“Unfortunately, there are criminals who also exist here in the United States who commit fraud, and there is an account right now that is in the media circles that does not belong to the Peña family,” said Julie Contreras, a representative from United Giving Hope.
Despite the challenges and heartache, the family is determined to bring Peña Jr. and Fernandez back to Chicago for a proper burial. They hope to do so in approximately two weeks, with the support of their community and the non-profit organization.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that exist in the world, but it also highlights the strength and resilience of a community coming together to support one another. Let us stand with the Peña family during this difficult time and show them that they are not alone. Together, we can help them find justice and bring their loved ones home.
