Ex-gang member testifies in Carpentersville murder trial

A former gang member testified Tuesday — despite his fears of retaliation — that Henry L. Black fired the deadly shots that killed a 17-year-old in Carpentersville in August 2007.

Black, 20, of the 0-99 block of Birch Street, Carpentersville, faces first-degree murder charges in the death of Aaron Razo, who was gunned down near a park on the village’s east side.

Antonio Santos, who is 19 now but was 15 at the time of the shooting, said he was one of five people in a Chevrolet Suburban looking to fight some rival gang members and saw Black get out of the SUV and fire at least five shots toward other gang members.

Santos, who testified that he is no longer affiliated with gangs, said everyone in the SUV was “shocked” after the gunfire as they sped away.

The SUV driver dropped Black off in front of his home and then Carpentersville police responding to the scene near Golfview Elementary School pulled the SUV over and authorities questioned Santos and others at the station, he said.

Santos, who was accompanied by his mother at the station, said he was “terrified” but eventually told police that Black fired the shots.

“I was not worried because I knew I didn’t do it,” said Santos, who was subpoenaed to testify. “I didn’t get too far into the details because I know there was always retaliation.”

Assistant State’s Attorney David Belshan also has said prosecutors plan to show that a handgun recovered from Black’s house matched shell casings and bullet fragments from the scene.

Defense attorney Lisa Damico, who has yet to present her case, said in her opening argument that a man playing soccer at the park saw a shooter that looked different from Black. She questioned why police didn’t find gunpowder residue on Black’s hands and clothes.

The trial before Judge Allen Anderson is expected to conclude later this week. If convicted, Black faces a minimum of 35 years in prison.