Chicago's Most Wanted Rafael Franco
North Side Man Wanted for Fatally Shooting Uncle

Updated: Monday, 14 Feb 2011, 5:12 PM CST
Published : Saturday, 19 Feb 2011, 9:15 PM CST

WFLD-TV


FBI photo: Rafael Franco

Twenty two year old Rafael Franco is on the run from the feds for allegedly killing a relative and then leaving the country. Cook County prosecutors charged Franco last June with killing his uncle, 40 year old Lorenzo Nestor. Franco has not been seen since.

Witnesses say Franco shot and killed Nestor in a small grocery store Nestor owned in the 4700 block of North Sheridan Road. The shooting took place in a back store room. Investigators say Nestor, Franco and several others were there playing cards when Franco and another man began to argue. When the argument escalated, police say Nestor broke up the game and sent Franco and the other participants outside. As Franco was walking out, investigators say he pulled a .45 caliber handgun out of his waistband and fired several shots into the air and one through the back door. That bullet struck Nestor in the face; he later died from that gun shot wound. Agents say it's unclear if Franco intended to kill his uncle.

While investigators say Franco may have flown back to his native Mexico shortly after the shooting, they now believe he may have returned to Chicago. FBI Special agent Ross Rice says, "It's been almost a year now since the crime took place. Franco does have friends and family here in Chicago, so there's a good chance he's returned to Illinois."

Here's a description of what investigators say Franco looks like. He's described as a Hispanic male, 5'7" tall, weighing 150 pounds. He has a medium build, olive complexion, and a tattoo with two horns on one of his shoulders. On the street, Franco goes by the name "Rafa." His last known address was in the 4900 block of North Winthrop.

Franco is considered armed and dangerous.

If you have any information about this case, call Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/mo ... ael-franco