A Cook County jury has found Berly Valladares guilty of murder after he gave a gun to fellow gang member Narcisco Gatica, who killed DePaul University student Francisco “Frankie” Valencia, Jr., last year, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Prosecutors alleged Valladares—who was also found guilty of aggravated battery in the case of a second victim—gave the TEC-9 to Gatica after Gatica became upset at being asked to leave a party. Gatica returned with the gun, and started opening fire. Valladares’ attorney said that the defendant did not know Gatica’s intent with the gun.
In its July 28 issue, Windy City Times profiled Valencia’s mothers, Joy McCormick and Siu Moy. McCormick said, “Frankie really believed in Chicago. He followed his passions, which were politics and service.” (For more about the story, see windycitytimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27485.)
McCormick and Moy have established the “Francisco” Valencia Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information about the scholarship and how to contribute contact Jeff Brown, assistant director of DePaul University’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, at 773-325-7325 or Jbrown56@depaul.edu.
Valladares could get life in prison when he is sentenced later this year.