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Man Charged In 2016 Slaying Of Rival Gang Member

By Erica Demarest | June 20, 2017 6:08pm | Updated on June 20, 2017 6:11pm
 Lamar Baker, 19, is charged with first-degree murder.
Lamar Baker, 19, is charged with first-degree murder.
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DNAinfo; Cook County Sheriff's Office

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — Bail was denied Tuesday for the Chicago Lawn man accused of killing a rival gang member in Little Village last year.

Lamar Baker, 19, is charged with first-degree murder in the 2016 slaying, which happened about 5 p.m. Jan. 25 in the 3000 block of South Kedvale Avenue.

According to prosecutors, Baker and two accomplices were in a car when they spotted victim David Martinez, 19, and a 17-year-old boy walking down the street. Members of both groups flashed gang signs.

Authorities said Baker is a member of the Latin Kings gang, while Martinez belonged to the rival 2-6 gang.

As Baker's car circled the block, prosecutors said, Baker stepped out of the vehicle and hid in some bushes near the mouth of a nearby alley.

When Martinez and his companion walked past the alley, Baker stood up, pulled a gun and asked, 'What you on, n----?", according to prosecutors. Martinez and the 17-year-old took off running, but both were shot when Baker opened fire.

Martinez was shot in the back of his head and pronounced dead on the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. The 17-year-old victim was shot in his back and survived after fleeing to a nearby fire station.

Baker, of the 6100 block of South Francisco Avenue, in July 2016 confessed to a police officer that he'd killed Martinez, prosecutors said. Baker was arrested and charged this week. It's not clear why there was an 11-month delay in filing charges.

Cook County Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr. on Tuesday denied Baker bail.