The shooting that claimed the life of 19-year-old Angel Aviles occurred in the 5800 block of West Walton Street in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the city’s West Side. The incident happened at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
A passerby discovered Aviles slumped over the steering wheel of his white Honda, which had crashed into an unoccupied, parked vehicle, and alerted authorities. Police were dispatched at about 6:49 p.m. after the initial report of a car crash, not gunfire.
According to the Chicago Police Department, Aviles was driving his vehicle when he was approached by an unidentified male offender who opened fire. A witness on the scene later told officers they saw two gunmen jump out from behind a tree and begin shooting. The attacker or attackers fled the area immediately after the shooting. Angel Aviles suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his head and his leg.
After being shot, the mortally wounded victim’s vehicle continued forward before colliding with a parked car and coming to a stop. The Chicago Fire Department was first to respond to the crash scene. Emergency responders transported Aviles to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his identity and his death.
Police investigators estimated the shooting itself occurred around 6:30 p.m., roughly 19 minutes before officers were dispatched for the reported crash. Notably, no 911 calls were received reporting the sound of gunshots in the area prior to the discovery of the crashed vehicle. The delayed discovery and response highlight concerns about gun violence incidents that go unreported by the community.
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide. Area Four detectives are actively investigating the case. Police have stated it remains unclear whether the shooting was a targeted attack or a random act of violence, and the identity and motive of the shooter or shooters are unknown. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements.
This fatal shooting was part of a particularly violent day in Chicago, which saw seven homicides across the city in less than 18 hours. This rare level of violence for a January day underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces. The investigation into Angel Aviles’s death remains open, and authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s 15th District or submit an anonymous tip online.