Crime Stoppers renews efforts to solve the 2021 murder of Chicago National Guardsman Chrys Carvajal

CHICAGO (WLS) — A community of volunteers has once again teamed up with the family and friends of Chrys Carvajal to help them track down those responsible for the murder of the 19-year-old National Guardsman.

Carvajal was shot and killed last year over the July 4 weekend.

“Thinking about the time we’ve been through and the number of months that have passed, I still feel like it happened yesterday,” said his older brother Anthony Carvajal.

Relatives and friends of the Chicago man along with members of the American Legion and other veterans came to the Belmont-Craigin neighborhood on the northwest side of the city on Saturday.

Going door to door distributing leaflets in the block where he was shot.

“This murderer walked our streets for 224 days,” said Commanding Officer Marcos Torres of the post of American Legion Staff Sergeant Jason Vasquez.

They hope to uncover new information that could lead to an arrest in the case that has gone cold.

“I know justice is slow, but justice is persistent,” Chicago Police Department Director Glen Brooks said.

On July 3 last year, Carvajal was shot and killed around 1:30 a.m. while standing on the sidewalk in the 2200 block of North Lockwood Avenue after vehicles approached and occupants opened fire.

“We had his wake on his 20th birthday,” said Brent Webb, 2nd Commander of the American Legion. “Having respect for this youngster and knowing that he was shot over Independence Day weekend, is there a more glaring issue?”

Family and friends accuse the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office of refusing to charge a person of interest in the crime despite having enough evidence.

“Ms. Foxx, please direct the State’s Attorney’s Office to reconsider this case,” Ald said. Gilbert Villegas, 36th district.

On Saturday, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office shared an updated statement saying, “CCSAO has previously conducted a thorough review of information presented to us by police regarding the death of Chrys Carvajal. At that time, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to meet our burden of proof to bring charges of murder.” The statement went on to say, “We will consider any additional information that is brought to us, as we remain committed to working for justice for those affected by violence in our communities.”

Cook County Crime Stoppers offered support and a reward.

“You never know what little bit of information you have that might just close this case,” said George McDade of Cook County Crime Stoppers.

There is a total reward of up to 25,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of those responsible for the murder.