Police plead for tips in Hanover Park slaying

Hanover Park police Tuesday implored the public to come forward with information related to Saturday's fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy.

Police said there are no new developments in the case, other than investigators are now saying openly they believe the murder to be gang-related. No one is in custody and the department and Major Case Assistance Team are no closer to making an arrest, according to Deputy Police Chief David Webb.

Jesus Sanchez, of the 7100 block of Mulberry Street, was less than a block away from home when he was shot multiple times around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, authorities said. He was returning from playing soccer in the park with his twin brother, Antonio, and friends, according to family.

Sanchez was pronounced dead less than an hour later at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.

Sanchez's cousin, Jesus Jimenez, told the Daily Herald he didn't know whether Sanchez was involved in gang activity, but that he tried to stay out of trouble.

"Neighbors are nervous and rightfully so," Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig said Tuesday. "This is a tough one because young men in the area seem to be protecting each other (by not talking to police). I don't like what's going on."

Anyone with information should contact the Hanover Park Investigation Division at (630) 372-4426.