Andrew Ruiz sentenced to 99 years after Halloween 2009 shooting

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Andrew Ruiz, a reputed member of the Maniac Latin Disciples street gang, has been sentenced to 99 years in prison for a Halloween 2009 shooting, according to a statement from the Office of the Cook County State's Attorney.

Ruiz, 33, was convicted of first degree murder and aggravated battery, both with a firearm, after opening fire on a car at West Grand and North Central Park avenues in the city's Humboldt Park neighborhood.

Victims were stopped at the intersection when a car driven by Ruiz containing several female gang members pulled up next to them, prosecutors said. Ruiz then rolled down his window and began firing several rounds with a .45 semi-automatic handgun, striking the driver in the shoulder blade and the passenger in the neck, officials said. The victims attempted to flee but lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a light pole.

The driver of the vehicle made a full recovery, but the passenger was taken off a respirator and died in December 2009, as the gun shot caused instant paralysis, officials said. Investigators eventually located Ruiz's three passengers, who all testified against him in trial.

Ruiz is also awaiting trial on a separate murder charge related to a June 2010 incident.