Chicago, Illinois – In a tragic incident in September 2022, a 3-year-old boy named Mateo Zastro was shot and killed during a road rage altercation that his mother was trying to escape from. Nearly 18 months later, the perpetrator responsible for Mateo’s death has not been apprehended. However, Mateo’s family remains hopeful that a reward offered by Cook County Crime Stoppers will lead to a breakthrough in the case.
On the fateful day of the incident, Veronica Zastro attempted to flee from the other vehicle involved in the confrontation, but the vehicle followed her and eventually caught up to them on West Marquette Road. An assailant fired up to six shots into the family’s vehicle, striking Mateo in the head as he sat among his siblings and mother. Despite Veronica’s efforts to seek help, the young boy succumbed to his injuries.
Veronica Zastro continues to grapple with the trauma of that night, constantly reminded of her beloved son Mateo, whose image is now permanently etched on her arm. Mateo, described as energetic and affectionate, had recently learned to swim and had a passion for dinosaurs and his family.
Following the tragic incident, the community rallied around the Zastro family, offering support and honoring Mateo’s memory through various tributes, including naming a street after him and featuring his likeness in neighborhood murals. Despite the outpouring of solidarity, justice has yet to be served for Mateo.
In an effort to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice, Cook County Crime Stoppers has announced a substantial cash reward of up to $15,000 for any information leading to the arrest or indictment of the individual responsible for Mateo’s death. Veronica Zastro remains optimistic that this reward will prompt individuals to come forward with crucial information that could finally bring closure to their family.
As the investigation continues under the supervision of Wentworth Area detectives, the Zastro family holds onto hope that justice will prevail, and Mateo’s memory will be honored through a resolution in his case. The flyer featuring Mateo’s story will be distributed in the area where the tragic incident occurred, as a reminder of the impact of senseless violence on innocent lives.