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Man Known as 'The Devil' Held on $2 million Bail in Bridgeport Killing

By Heather Cherone | September 2, 2013 9:30am | Updated on September 2, 2013 3:04pm
 Vidal Martinez, 20, of the 1300 block of South 58th Street in Cicero was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery using a firearm, police said.
Vidal Martinez, 20, of the 1300 block of South 58th Street in Cicero was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery using a firearm, police said.
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Chicago Police Department

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — Bail was set Monday for a man prosecutors say was known as "The Devil," charged with killing one and wounding two others in Bridgeport.

Prosecutors said the shootings erupted during an argument over gang ties at a Bridgeport party early Saturday morning.

Vidal Martinez, 20, of the 1300 block of South 58th Street in Cicero, was held on $2 million bail and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery using a firearm after the incident.

Martinez, a reputed member of the Maniac Latin Disciples, was at a party in the 3800 block of South Halsted Street when a fist fight erupted about 2:45 a.m. between Martinez and members of the Ambrose Street Gang, prosecutors said.

During the fight, Martinez pulled out a gun and shot Daniel Ortiz, a 21-year-old from south suburban Monee, in the head, prosecutors said. Ortiz was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Another 21-year-old man was shot in the head and the leg and taken to Northwestern in critical condition. A 25-year-old man was shot in his leg was treated and released.

Martinez fled the party with other members of the Maniac Latin Disciples, and was arrested by police after a short car chase that ended when Martinez' car crashed into a tree, prosecutors said.

Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol from the front passenger seat of the car, where Martinez was sitting when the car crashed. Five .45 caliber shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting. That weapon is believed to be the murder weapon, prosecutors said.

Witnesses at the party, who called 911 after the shooting, as well as the two men who were shot but survived, identified Martinez as the gunman, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said in court paperwork that Martinez is known as "The Devil" on the street.

The lawyer representing Martinez at his Labor Day bond hearing told the judge Martinez acted in self defense and was the victim of mistaken identity.

In 2011, Martinez was convicted of aggravated domestic battery, prosecutors said.

Martinez is due back in court Sept. 3. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.