Elgin investigating fourth murder

Elgin police are investigating the city's fourth murder this year - a 21-year-old man who was gunned down in his car near his southeast side home Thursday night.

Oscar Hernandez, of the 500 block of Lucille Avenue, was pronounced dead by Elgin paramedics shortly after police responded to a call at 9:48 p.m. of shots fired near Lucille and Willard avenues.

Hernandez was found shot several times, including once in the neck, in his car, which in turn had run off the road and into a parkway at 560 Lucille.

The department's Gang Crimes Unit and Major Investigations Division are working the case.

Elgin Police Sgt. Dan O'Shea, head of the gang unit, said it was "possible" the slaying was gang related but authorities were still investigating and not willing to classify it yet.

"We're still working all the leads we can," he said.

According to court records, Hernandez was arrested in July 25, 2008, when he was 19 on charges he brought a gun onto school grounds in Elgin. Hernandez was due in court for a probation hearing in February 2011.

Elgin Deputy Chief Cecil Smith said police don't have a motive and declined to answer whether anything was stolen from Hernandez or if he was armed when he was killed.

"We can't dictate what people are going to do in the streets. We can only try to prevent as much as we can," Deputy Chief Cecil Smith said. "It's going to be a hot weekend. We're hoping this is the last one we have this year."

Anyone with information about the murder may call (847) 289-2691 or an anonymous tip line at (847) 695-4195.