A jury found Logan Square man Narcisco Gatica, 21, guilty of shooting and killing DePaul University student Francisco “Frankie” Valencia and wounding his friend, Daisy Camacho, in 2009, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The jury found Gatica guilty of murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.
Please also see related story, Lesbian couple reacts to verdict in son’s murder, at windycitytimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=33864
Valencia is survived by mothers Joy McCormick and Siu Moy; his father, Francisco Valencia Sr.; and his siblings, Victor Valencia, Christian Mora and Stephanie Valencia.
In the July 28, 2010, issue of Windy City Times, McCormick and Moy reminisced about Frankie. “He believed in socially responsible leadership,” McCormick said. She added that when he was asked why he believed in socially responsible leadership, Frankie said, “I believe because I hope.” McCormick said that Frankie wanted to go to law school at the University of Chicago; wanted to get married and have a family; and someday wanted to be a history teacher.
Note: See interview with the family at windycitytimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27485
Just a few days after his death, Frankie was supposed to have received the Lincoln Laureate award, a prestigious award given to Illinois college seniors who show excellence in their studies and commitment to extracurricular activities. Instead, McCormick and Moy received the award at Frankie’s funeral.
Last year, a Cook County jury found Berly Valladares guilty of murder after he gave a gun to Gatica, a fellow gang member. This past July, he was sentenced to 70 years in prison, the Sun-Times reported.