True Crime Friday: Antonio Reyes, The Chicago Southwest Side Serial Killer

 

Antonio Reyes has been charged in six Southwest Side murders committed across several months in 2020. He started his reign of terror at the tender age of seventeen. Antonio Reyes, at the age of twenty one was arrested for the murders of six people. He faces five counts of first-degree murder and four counts of first-degree attempted murder per the authorities. At the time of his arrest Reyes was already in jail for the murder of a twenty six year old man. Reyes did know some of his victims and others he chose them at random.

The Early Childhood of Antonio Reyes

As of this writing nothing is known of Reyes early childhood. As most of you know there are factors in which produces these monsters such a neglect, poverty and abuse. Since Reyes began killing when he was a teen, I feel free to make the assumption that his childhood probably was not that great. Most people that grow up in a loving and caring environment rarely become serial killers. Serial killers are a special breed of killers, they can never stop until they are caught, killed or get too old.

The Victims of Antonio Reyes

• Francisco Magana, 31
• Claudio Cossio, 21
• Damian Duran, 16
• Jose Martinez, 31
• Justin Gonzalez, 20
• Luis Davalos Garcia, 31

Reyes attempted murder charges are from him attempting to murder three children from the ages of three through nine years old. Reyes also shot the three kids Dad while he was taking his children to pick up a puppy. Another victim was shot when he went to a gas station to buying a soda. On top of all the rest of his crimes, he was facing charges of allegedly trying to kill his cellmate with a shank while in custody. This killer murdered strangers and close friends. He even texted the mother of one his victims while in juvenile detention. Reyes was arrested in 2020 in connection to a murder and a shooting. Authorities long considered him a suspect in several murders before he was eventually captured. Police said most of the murders occurred while he was between the ages of sixteen and seventeen years old. Police were able to link Reyes to the murders through ballistics and social media messages.

The Less Dead Theory

The Less Theory are poor people and minorities that are considered undesirable by society and the elites. These groups generally are the poor, women and children who are ignored and devalued in life. Therefore, in death they are also devalued essentially ignored by their own communities or members of their neighborhoods and generally not missed when they are gone. They lack prestige or power and the police generally devalue their lives as well. This is one of the reasons they are prime targets for serial killers.

Serial Killer Traits

Serial killers often exhibit traits like a lack of empathy, sympathy and remorse. They are highly impulsive individuals. They have a need for control and display predatory behavior from an early age. These are some of the most common traits associated with serial killers. They are as follows:

Serial killers have personality disorders such as psychopathy, antisocial and a disregard for social norms. They tend to break the rules because they do not think rules apply to them. They have a superiority complex. They have a fantasy way of thinking about themselves and their victims. They tend to select victims who fit their fantasies or desires. They tend to plan their crimes and also map out every detail for maximum satisfaction. Most serial killers are very charming masking the true evil that lies beneath the surface. The majority of studies suggest that serial killers may exhibit certain behaviors as children, such as rebelliousness, nightmares, destroying property and/or fire-setting. Serial killers common themes include lust, power, control, and the thrill of the kill.

Serial killers often have distinct victim preferences, sometimes targeting vulnerable individuals or those who fit a specific profile. Serial killers have a repetitive patterns in their crimes, following a specific modus operandi. There are serial killers with careers in healthcare such as doctors and nurses. Anyone from any background could become a serial killer if the environment is conducive.

The Unknown Survivors of Antonio Reyes

• Three children between the ages three and nine years old.

Lady Justice

The authorities said they hope the arrest of Reyes will help to bring closure to victims’ families who have been waiting long periods of times for updates in cases of their loved ones. At this current time, Reyes is in police custody waiting on his trial to take place. Reyes has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and was due back in court on March 18, 2025.

Reference

https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/26/serial-killer-murdered-6-people-on-southwest-side-in-2020-police-say/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/chicago-teen-went-serial-killing-spree-6-people-citys-south-side-2020-rcna194033

https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/02/26/teen-serial-killer-6-killings-chicago-southwest-side-2020