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CHICAGO (WLS) — In an update on a tragic incident that pierced the heart of a Chicago community, police have charged a man in connection with the murder of a young father and U.S. Army veteran earlier this year on the city’s Northwest Side. Authorities announced the development on Saturday.
Jonathan Roldan, a 35-year-old resident of Chicago, was taken into custody on Thursday. He now faces a charge of first-degree murder, accused of being involved in the fatal shooting that occurred on January 23rd.
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The victim, 30-year-old Andrew Garay, was reportedly shot while seated in his car on that chilly evening. The incident unfolded in the 3500 block of West Wabansia Avenue, located in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, around 9 p.m.
Back in January, Garay’s family members shared their grief with ABC7. His mother, Debbie Knutt, recalled a hauntingly tender moment with her son. “He kissed me on my forehead three hours before and said, ‘Mom, I’ll be back in a little bit,’” she recounted, capturing the profound loss felt by those who knew him.
“He kissed me on my forehead three hours before and said, ‘Mom, I’ll be back in a little bit,’” said Debbie Knutt, the victim’s mother.
Garay’s relatives said he had just dropped off his girlfriend and her daughter at their home before the gunfire rang out.
“They just got out of the car,” said Samantha Knutt, the victim’s sister. “They were up right at the apartment door when it happened.”
Why anyone would want to harm Garay has been a mystery to his loved ones.
“It’s just been complete shock, honestly. I don’t think any of us really genuinely know how to feel or even accept that he’s gone,” Samantha said.
They remember him as selfless, hardworking, and someone who got along with everyone.
“Andrew just exuded this presence that made you feel safe, and he made you feel happy like I’ve never seen anybody, not like Andrew,” said Karjan Dambaugh, the victim’s cousin. “If he loved you, he loved with everything… He was the person that would show up randomly and just make everything right.”
Garay’s family said he lived on the Northwest Side, and after leaving the Army, worked as a package delivery driver. He leaves behind a 7-year-old daughter.
“He would do anything under the sun for that girl. If she needed anything, okay, daddy’s got it. You want to play games? Daddy’s got it,” Samantha said.
Relatives say Garay aspired to be a Chicago police officer and was working toward applying.
Roldan is due in court on Sunday.
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