Nicholas ‘Smush’ Samudio: Chicago gang member with Down Syndrome charged with two fatal shootings
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Nicholas ‘Smush’ Samudio, a 22-year-old member of Chicago’s Latin Kings gang, was recently charged over his role in two separate murders across the city. The man, who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, allegedly shot and killed 28-year-old Humberto Marin-Garcia in front of his pregnant wife following a road rage incident in Chicago’s Bridgeport section on February 16.
He is also accused of fatally shooting 22-year-old Tomas Villa in the North Lawndale neighborhood of the city after mistaking him for a rival gang member. Samudio was arrested alongside his accomplice, 21-year-old Moses Maldonado after Chicago police caught them riding on a stolen Chrysler 300, the Daily Mail reports. The latest incident comes a few months after Jesus Rega, a 21-year-old man with disabilities, was shot to death in Chicago after being approached by three men who allegedly shouted gang related slogans. In December 2022, a Chicago bar mass shooting during a birthday party also left three dead and one injured.
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Who is Nicholas ‘Smush’ Samudio?
Nicholas ‘Smush’ Samudio is a member of Chicago’s Latin Kings gang who was recently arrested for allegedly murdering two individuals across the city in February. He has reportedly been charged with felony murder, attempted murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to the publication. During his first court hearing, Samudio's lawyer revealed that the 22-year-old had been diagnosed with Down syndrome. The laywer also shared that Samudio previously worked as a furniture mover as well as for a demolition company. Online records reportedly showed that Samudio has been arrested 17 times since his 18th birthday, the outlet noted.
He was also dubbed as a person of interest in the 2020 Jean Carlo Cobian murder case but was never formally charged during the investigation. Cobian was found dead with a gunshot wound to the back of his head near his parked car in the McKinley Park neighborhood. The slain man’s family said that Cobian was on his way back home when he was killed, NBC Chicago reported. Chicago police has reportedly been eyeing Nicholas ‘Smush’ Samudio after an “extensive investigation” in the wake of Humberto Marin-Garcia’s shooting, as per the Chicago Sun Times.
Victim's family starts GoFundMe fundraiser
In the wake of Humberto Marin-Garcia’s death, his wife Mayra Solis’ cousin launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for covering the cost of funeral expenses and help his family with any other unexpected costs. “Humberto was a hard-working family man who put everyone else's needs and wants before his. He dedicated his life to his wife and 2 daughters. Humberto was also head over heels awaiting the arrival of his second child,” the fundraiser mentioned.
“Our family especially my cousin and her little girls are devastated by Humberto's passing. Our family is doing whatever we can to gather funds to help cover the cost of the unexpected funeral expenses and help with any other unexpected costs her family will encounter,” the page added. The fundraiser raised above $10,700 before being closed for donations.
Nicholas ‘Smush’ Samudio is being held without bail
Nicholas ‘Smush’ Samudio reportedly killed Humberto Marin-Garcia around 9.30 pm local time after a road-rage incident that took place in the expressway at the Bridgeport section in Chicago. Police said Garcia’s gray SUV came to a stop on the expressway after the driver’s side window of his car was shot at, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Authorities said Samudio and Maldonado confused Tomas Villa with the member of a rival gang due to his hat, 10 days after the first incident. Maldonado opened fire at Villa while the latter walked past the suspects' parked car and prompted him to take cover between the two vehicles. However, Samudio got out of his car and shot at the victim multiple times, leaving him dead on the scene, as per the publication.
Officials caught Samudio and Maldonado following a police chase later that night. The pair reportedly got out of the car and attempted to flee, prompting authorities to use a stun gun, the outlet noted. Samudio was also accused of throwing an item from the car.
Following the arrest, investigators recovered a .380 caliber weapon from their vehicle and found gunshot residue on Samudio's red Champion hoodie. The shell casings found at the scene of Villa's murder reportedly matched with the weapon, as per the publication. Nicholas ‘Smush’ Samudio and Moses Maldonado are currently being held without bail at Cook County Jail.