Chicago Police Arrest ‘Smush,’ Alleged Gangster With Down Syndrome, For Murder

An alleged gang member with Down Syndrome has been arrested and charged with two February murders in Chicago. The man, apparently named “Smush,” has reported afifliations with affiliated with the Latin Kings

Nicholas “Smush” Samudio was indicted on several felony murder charges pertaining to two deadly shootings that took place just ten days apart on February 16 and February 26.

The first shooting was reportedly over a road rage incident, as Smush is accused of fatally shooting a married man named Humberto Marin-Garcia in front of his pregnant wife, who was left unharmed.

The Chicago Sun Times reported that Smush was apprehended by law enforcement after fleeing in a stolen Chrysler 300 following the killing of Tomas Villa, who officials say Smush may have mistakenly suspected of being in a rival gang.

Smush’s public defender says the alleged gang member was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

Chicago 'gang member' with Down syndrome is charged with TWO murders https://t.co/h9jzCLtKyg via @MailOnline
Nicholas 'Smush' Samudio committed two murders within ten day period in February, police say.

— B Gallagher (@Gally66kg) April 6, 2023

The Latin Kings affiliate is reportedly well known to local law enforcement and is suspected of killing another individual at McKinley Park in 2020, but never faced charges.

Ten days after the deadly road rage shooting, prosecutors allege Smush and an accomplice had opened fire on Villa while the man was walking home after parking is car.

Villa reportedly took cover and attempted to flee the gunmen when Smush stepped out of the Chrysler and repeatedly shot Villa to death.

Police later discovered the Chrysler and apprehended the suspects with the help of a stun gun after a police chase.

Both suspects were denied bail over the “bold and brazen offense,” said Judge Barbara Sawkins.

Reports further add that investigators had recovered a .380-caliber handgun that is believed to have been thrown out the window by Smush during the law enforcement pursuit, matching shell casings collected at the scene of the second killing.

The news comes as the Illinois city braces for new leadership following the ousting of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who faced widespread criticisms over Chicago’s increase in violent crime under her leadership.

Lightfoot is the first Chicago mayor in several decades to lose a re-election bid. Replacing her will be fellow Democrat Brandon Johnson, who defeated Paul Vallas in a runoff election to become the city’s 57th Mayor this month.

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