Police announced murder charges against a suspect who they say fatally shot a 22-year-old man, who was a Southern Illinois University student, in Gurnee in 2021.
Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said a vehicle showed up at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan around 12:05 a.m. on November 20, 2021.
The driver of the vehicle drove to the hospital to seek medical attention for his passenger, identified as Daniel F. Lobo, 22, of Waukegan, who had been shot.
Covelli said Lobo was pronounced dead after being brought into the emergency room.
An autopsy showed that Lobo died as a result of a gunshot wound to the back, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
The hospital notified the Gurnee Police Department about the incident and officers learned Lobo had been shot near Waveland Avenue and Grandview Avenue in Gurnee.
Gurnee police contacted the Lake County Major Crime Task Force to assist them in the investigation.
Covelli previously said that a 22-year-old Waukegan man, who was driving the vehicle Lobo had been a passenger, was driving recklessly prior to the shooting.
The man then turned onto Waveland Avenue and began to slow down.
Another vehicle pulled up behind him and a suspect began shooting at the two men, Covelli said.
One of the rounds struck Lobo. The driver and Lobo were the only two occupants in the vehicle.
Lobo was six months shy of completing a Master’s in Biology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, according to his obituary.
“His life was senselessly cut short in a moment of violence that shocked the community,” Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said.
“We are heartbroken to learn another member of our Saluki family, Daniel Fernando Lobo, has left us too soon. Our thoughts go out to the student’s family and friends as they face Thanksgiving without him,” Southern Illinois University Chancellor Austin Lane said in a statement at the time.
“Growing up he loved sports, was an avid baseball player since age of 6. He also enjoyed music; oldies and bachata were among his favorites. He was a sweetheart, a dedicated and smart young man. He spent most of his time studying, playing sports, visiting family and friends,” his obituary said.
The Gurnee Police Department on Monday announced that a suspect had been identified and charges had been filed against him following a “comprehensive investigation.”
Llovani Gomez, 36, of Chicago, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm.
“This marks an important step in pursuing justice for Daniel and his family,” Gurnee Police Chief Brian Smith said.
“From the moment this tragedy occurred, our department has been committed to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable. The approval of these charges reflects the tireless efforts of our investigators, in close coordination with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office,” Smith said.
“While no legal action can ever fully heal the pain of losing a loved one, we hope this development offers some measure of closure and reassurance to Daniel’s family and friends who continue to grieve his loss,” the police chief added.
Gomez is currently in custody at Big Muddy Correctional Center in downstate Illinois where he is serving a 10-year sentence for a felon in possession of a firearm conviction out of Cook County.
He is projected to be released on parole in that case in October 2027 but he is set to appear in Lake County Circuit Court on May 20 in the murder case.
“My beautiful brother was taken from me. My twin. My best friend. Words cannot describe the pain that I feel. You were so close to reaching your dreams. I just want one more second to hold you. I would do anything to bring you back. Watch over us Daniel fly high angel,” Itzel Lobo, Daniel Lobo’s sister, said at the time of his death.