Man found guilty in murder of CPD Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso sentenced to natural life in prison

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The man convicted of killing Chicago police Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso was sentenced to natural life in prison Tuesday.

Steven Montano was found guilty of first-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in July.

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On Tuesday, there was a show of support for Vásquez Lasso's family.

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The family did not comment when leaving the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

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But they stood with the Cook County state's attorney after the hearing.

"While we (are) gratified with the sentence today, nothing will heal the loss Officer Vásquez Lasso's family, loved ones or his fellow officers have suffered because of this," Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke said.

Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke issued the sentence.

Officer Vásquez Lasso was responding to a domestic disturbance in 2023.

And as he chased Montano, Montano fired several shots, three fatally wounding the officer.

During the sentencing hearing, Montano's attorney noted Montano's background, in which he was conditioned for "reactive violence."

Montano spoke briefly, saying he hoped the family could forgive him, saying, "it was not my intention to hurt him."

A prosecutor argued Montano had no concern that an officer was killed, and was "utterly remorseless."

The officer's mother read a victim impact statement in Spanish with an interpreter translating in court.

Rocio Lasso told the judge "My son did not deserve to die in this manner. I ask for justice for the murder of my son."

Former fellow Officer Carlos Yañez Jr. was among the dozens of officers in court. Yañez was critically injured in a traffic stop in which his partner Ella French was killed.

"The family is still suffering. I'm still suffering; I know they suffering, and it breaks my heart because the niece, Lasso was a father figure to her. And it breaks my heart, especially during the holidays," Yañez said.

The Montano family declined comment, as did his defense team.

As Montano was under 21 when the crime was committed, he is eligible for parole in 40 years.

Chicago police said in a statement:

"Today's sentencing is an important step in accountability for the violent offender responsible for the murder of our fallen hero, Chicago Police Department Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso. While we are grateful that this offender will now be held accountable, it does not erase the grief and heartbreak the Vásquez Lasso family has experienced each day since March 1, 2023. We thank the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and the jury for bringing justice in this case.

"Rather than focusing on this offender, we choose to focus on carrying on the legacy of service and determination that Andrés left in our world. He exemplified courage until his very last moment. May our city never forget his courage and all he did to protect our communities.

"Chicago Police Department Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso #7649

"End of Watch: March 1, 2023"