Bedford Park man charged in fatal Bridgeview shooting, police say

A Cook County judge on Saturday ordered a Bedford Park man detained on a murder charge tied to the apparent ambush slaying of a romantic rival in southwest suburban Bridgeview, according to authorities.

Anthony Calderon, 20, faces a single count of first-degree murder for the shooting death of Arturo Cantu.

Bridgeview police found Cantu, 39, shot twice as he left his apartment in the 7300 Block of 79th Street around 5 a.m. Wednesday as he left his home for work. He had remote-started his car and was confronted as he approached the vehicle.

His body was found on the side of his apartment building and he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Officers used video footage from nearby businesses to identify Calderon.

A search of Cantu’s phone led police to the victim’s girlfriend, who granted investigators access to her phone and messages, according to police. On the girlfriend’s phone, authorities found conversations between her and Calderon that included “deleted phone call conversations and text messages that contained information indicating a romantic relationship,” according to court records.

Following his arrest Friday, Calderon gave investigators a full confession and provided the location of the 9mm Glock believed to have been used in the homicide, authorities said. Calderon also allegedly told at least one other person about the shooting.

In court, Judge David Kelly at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building ordered Calderon detained as a threat to the public, also noting that the shooting appeared targeted and premeditated.

Calderon is scheduled to return to court Tuesday.