By TopTrendReportTv

March 23, 2025

Latin King Member Sentenced to 27 Years for Fatal Shooting of 8-Year-Old Girl

CHICAGO — Emilio Corripio, 20, a member of the Latin Kings gang, has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for the tragic death of Melissa Ortega, an 8-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet meant for rival gang members.

The incident occurred on January 22, 2022, as Melissa and her mother were crossing Pulaski Avenue at 26th Street. Corripio opened fire down the block just before 3 p.m. in an attempt to target members of the Two-Six gang. A bullet intended for the rival gang struck Melissa in the head, and she collapsed immediately in front of a nearby Fifth Third Bank entrance.

At the time of the shooting, Corripio was on juvenile probation for two carjackings and a stolen vehicle case. Prosecutors stated that Corripio had previously identified himself as a Latin King during arrests.

Prosecutors also charged Xavier Guzman, a 30-year-old suburban cab driver, in connection with the shooting. Guzman, who was off-duty at the time, is accused of acting as Corripio’s getaway driver. He continues to fight the charges in court.

The shooting unfolded after Guzman and Corripio saw two men flashing signs for the Two-Six gang. The pair then decided to circle the block, with Corripio opening fire on their rivals. One of the bullets struck a 29-year-old rival gang member in the back, while others hit a parked car with a 47-year-old man and his 9-year-old daughter inside.

Hearing the gunfire, Melissa and her mother tried to move quickly to cross the intersection, but the young girl was tragically struck by a bullet and fell to the ground.

Corripio wore a mask, hoodie, and dark clothing, but surveillance footage from a nearby Subway restaurant showed him clearly, wearing the same clothing as the gunman. Investigators tracked the movements of Guzman’s cab and found a firearm in the vehicle that matched shell casings found at the scene of the shooting.

Corripio was arrested after being identified from the Subway footage and later admitted to his involvement. Guzman also identified Corripio from the video footage.

Judge James Novy sentenced Corripio, and Guzman is still facing charges.