Man charged in Back of the Yards mass shooting that killed 9-year-old girl, wounded 10 others: CPD

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Monday night, 39-year-old Octaviano Romero remains behind bars after he was denied pretrial release.

He is charged with one count of first-degree murder and 10 counts of attempted first-degree murder in the April 13 shooting that still haunts a young family.

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Monica Mendez was wounded in the forearm. Her and her husband's now-7-year-old and 2-year-old sons were shot in their abdomens.

"It's been hard seeing my kids not be able to eat for weeks, suffering because of their injuries," Mendez said. "They've had multiple surgeries. My kids will never be the same. They're scared. They don't even want to be outside. They don't want to go anywhere."

They suffered their injuries when at least three gunmen fired more than 70 shots at people gathered for a party near 52nd and Damen.

SEE ALSO | Surveillance video shows 3 shooters open fire in deadly Back of the Yards mass shooting | EXCLUSIVE

"Knowing that everybody else is still out there, you know, is just not the complete justice that we want, and hopefully we'll get there," said Pablo Vigil, the boys' father.

The gunfire, which wounded 10 people, also took the life of 9-year-old Ariana Molina. Her father, Jose Molina, is hopeful that more arrests will follow.

"I have confidence, little by little, time by time they're going to get to everyone that did this to my daughter," he said. "She was the best daughter ever, man. She was happy for everything. She was always helpful, helping everyone out."

Ariana's father said he has been told by authorities that as many as five offenders, including three shooters and two getaway drivers, may be responsible for the shooting.

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