COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Two men are facing murder charges in connection with the shooting death of a teenager in Collinsville on New Year's Day.
Albert Campos, 18, and Matias L. Herrera, 26, were charged with two counts each of first-degree murder in connection with the death of 18-year-old Miguel D. Villegas De-Santiago.
According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded at about 2 p.m. Sunday to a report of a shooting and a man shot in a vehicle in the 3300 block of Princeton Avenue in Collinsville.
The victim, identified as 18-year-old Miguel D. Villegas De-Santiago, was transported to a St. Louis-area hospital for his injuries. He later died.
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis launched an investigation, with about 20 investigators working to identify the person or persons responsible.
In a press conference, Captain Brian Koberna with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Major Case Squad said the victim was in the area waiting for his girlfriend.
"He had already said bye to his people and he was getting ready to come back home and eat with his family," said Efren Lopez, De Santiago's friend.
Koberna said Herrera drove Campos to the area, and Campos started shooting into homes and cars in the area.
He said Campos then walked over to the truck where De-Santiago was sitting and shot into the truck. Campos and Herrera then fled the scene.
"It's just really unbelievable," said Efren Lopez.
"To most of us he was a really great friend and was always there for you when you needed him," added Lopez.
Lopez says after his buddy graduated high school, Miguel did landscaping and lawn mowing work around Collinsville.
"He loved it and with that passion, he had always commented to us that he wanted to start a business one day," said Lopez.
"He was just the life of the party. Really a ball of energy," said Ismael Hernandez, another friend of the young victim.
Koberna said he could not provide information about a possible motive, but said the suspects were acquaintances with the victim and knew other people in the area of the shooting.
On Tuesday, charges were announced against Campos and Herrera. Campos was also charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and one count of reckless discharge of a firearm.
The duplicated murder charges for each and the duplicated firearms charge for Campos will be combined into single charges as the process continues.
Campos' bail was set at $3 million, and he could face life in prison if found guilty. Herrera was being held on a $2 million bail and he could face up to 75 years in prison.
"I just want my friend back," added Ismael Hernandez.
"Hopefully, these people are brought to justice," added Efren Lopez.
Villegas De-Santiago's uncle launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for funeral expenses. As of Wednesday morning, nearly $8,900 was raised.
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