Des Plaines teen faces murder charge in gang shooting

A 16-year-old suspected gang member from Des Plaines is facing an adult charge of first-degree murder in the July shooting death of a rival gang member, Des Plaines police announced today.

Francisco Olvera, of the 400 block of South Graceland Avenue, initially was charged as a juvenile with aggravated discharge of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a gang member while authorities investigated the shooting, according to police.

The victim, Eliseo Mercado, 25, of Des Plaines, was shot in the chest after he and two fellow gang members drove to a townhouse complex at Pine Court and Everett Avenue about 10:15 p.m. July 22, police said.

Police earlier said Mercado was 26 years old.

Olvera, and two other gang members were in the parking lot when Mercado arrived. After the groups threw gang signs, police said, Olvera pulled out a handgun and shot Mercado in the chest.

He fired at least one other bullet at a second person, which missed and ended up lodged in a car tire, police said.

Olvera and his two associates fled the scene in separate directions, but the 16-year-old was found the next day at a friend’s house, police said.

Authorities have identified all six people involved in the fight and are working to issue subpoenas, according to a police statement.

The shooting occurred in what police have described as a high crime area known for recurring gang problems.