Palatine police still searching for suspect in 2023 killing

On the third anniversary of the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy, Palatine police Monday renewed calls for public assistance in locating a suspect in the slaying.

Damian Hernandez of Mount Prospect was found suffering from gunshot wounds Aug. 17, 2023, in the 1200 block of Long Valley Drive near Palatine. Hfe died in a hospital five days later, authorities said.

Authorities believe Hernandez was shot by multiple offenders while sitting in a vehicle about 1.5 miles away in the 1700 block of East Clear Creek Bay in Palatine.

An investigation led to a 14-year-old boy, who was charged in juvenile court with the shooting, police said.

Police also obtained an arrest warrant for Jesus Pantoja, then 18 and living in the 1500 block of Silver Lane near Palatine. He remains at large and police are seeking information that may help investigators locate him.

Anyone with information is asked to call Palatine police at (847) 359-9000 or leave a tip online at solvethecase.org/case/2023-134/jesus-pantoja.

szalusky@dailyherald.com