Teen Likely to Be Charged as Adult in Melrose Park Shooting

Jimmy Guzman shot, killed during altercation between three teen girls, police say

A 16-year-old boy is expected to be charged as an adult for the fatal shooting of a west suburban teenager Thursday night during a fight that involved three girls in Melrose Park.

Jimmy Guzman was in Melrose Park's Sharps Park with a girl shortly after 6 p.m. when they were confronted by two other girls, police said, adding that the girls had been involved in an ongoing dispute.

When the girls began fighting, a 16-year-old boy appeared and shot Guzman several times, said Melrose Park police Chief Sam Pitassi.

"He point blank shot him," said Pitassi.

The ring of gunfire sent children, who were playing in the park, screaming and running for their lives.

Guzman, 17, of  the 1600 block of North Mannheim Road, in Stone Park, was dead on the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

The girls are classmates at Proviso West High School in Hillside, and the fight started there, according to the chief, who did not know what it was about, or if the girls are affiliated with a gang.

The release said Guzman and the suspect are affiliated with rival gangs from surrounding towns. None of those involved are Melrose Park residents.

The 16-year-old was identified and taken into custody in Berwyn, police said.  Charges are pending.

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