Shooting leaves 2 dead in Elgin

Two people were killed and three injured in a shooting late Thursday night outside a home in Elgin, police said.

Francisco Franco, 21, and Julian Mascote, 18, both of Elgin, were pronounced dead at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, police said.

The other three victims -- ages 16, 19 and 23 -- suffered non-life threatening injuries and are recovering in area hospitals, police and hospital staff said.

The five were shot while standing outside of the Mascote family's home on the 300 block of North Street on Elgin's east side.

No arrests have been made in the case, Sgt. Sean Rafferty said.

"It appears there was one gunman who was on foot," Rafferty said. But he added that police haven't ruled out the possibility of more than one shooter.

Preliminary autopsy reports say Mascote died of a bullet wound to the arm, and Franco of a bullet wound to the back, police said.

Rafferty said the shooting appears to be gang related.

"We are re-canvassing the area," he said Friday. "We knocked on doors last night. We are looking at incidents that might have led to this."

Thursday's shooting was the area's fourth gun-related case in recent weeks, police said.

And it wasn't the first time police say they've been to the home at North and College streets.

"We've been out there a number of times for gang, nuisance and fireworks problems," Rafferty said. "There have been gang-related problems at the house."

Family and friends gathered at the Mascote home throughout the day.

Two crosses were placed there anonymously -- one for each man who died.

The cross for Mascote read "When will all the killing's stop?"

The cross for Franco said: "Why do someone so young must die? We are praying for all of the frind's and family. Love Greg."

Mascote and Franco both graduated from Elgin High School -- Mascote just this past May.

"He was thinking of college after he worked a little bit," said Gavino Mascote, Julian's older brother. "He was a good kid. It's better off if people know more about it. Then maybe somebody will feel bad and come forward."

Julian's younger brother said he will be missed.

"He hung around pretty much like any kid," 13-year-old Rodrigo Mascote said. "He was really popular. We're gonna miss him."

Police say they are still investigating the shooting, and ask that anyone with information call their tip line, (847) 695-4195.