Area Three homicide detectives, in partnership with CTA Safety & Security, the Cicero Police Department and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, have secured murder charges against Pedro Villareal, 34, who shot and killed a 44-year-old male victim aboard a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train car in December. A 23-year-old male victim was also shot and injured during this incident.
In the early morning hours of December 23, 2025, Villarreal boarded a train car on the CTA Pink Line. He then approached both victims inside the train car, and a verbal altercation ensued. The altercation became physical when Villarreal produced a knife and began swinging it at one of the victims. During this altercation, the offender fired a handgun, striking and killing the 44-year-old victim and injuring the 23-year-old victim. The offender then fled the scene on foot.
The 44-year-old victim was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The 23-year-old male victim was also taken to the hospital and was preliminarily reported to be in good condition.
Area Three detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation. Alongside CTA Safety & Security, detectives reviewed video evidence to identify Villarreal as the offender. A security bulletin was then issued and seen by a Cicero Police Department officer, who recognized Villarreal.
With the information gathered, CPD issued another law enforcement alert. Following this alert, another Cicero Police Department officer observed Villarreal and placed him into custody. A firearm and knife were both recovered from Villarreal and ballistic evidence linked the firearm to the shooting in the train car.
This collaboration between CPD, Cicero Police, CTA and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is why the following charges have been approved against Villarreal within weeks of the shooting:
- One felony count of Murder with a Strong Probability of Death or Injury
- One felony count of Attempting First Degree Murder
- One felony count of Aggravated Battery with Discharge of a Firearm
- One felony count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Possession on Public Transit
- One felony count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon/Loaded/FCCA/FOID
- One citation for Trespass on the CTA Without Paying