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Anthony Suarez-Santini, also known as Chili, is a supporting antagonist in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He is a former gang hitman who redeems himself and is brought back into Joe Velasco's life due to committing several murders in his past.
He was portrayed by Joseph Castillo-Midyett
Biography[]
History[]
Saurez was born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, as a delinquent on the street. He met Joe Velasco, who was younger than him, and took him under his wing. They both wanted to leave the gang they were in, but the other members said they would be killed if they tried leaving. In one instance, a father begged for his life, and Velasco couldn’t bring himself to kill him. That’s when Saurez showed up and covered up for Velasco by murdering the man and his son, leaving Velasco traumatized. Another instance was when Velasco was made to watch a pedophile nearly be beaten to death.
Meanwhile, Suarez went to commit numerous other murders, including a drive-through motel massacre in El Centro and a double execution homicide of two drug dealers. Later in his life, he met Elle Santini, who didn’t know he was a criminal, but still suspected it. She turned him into a religious man, and Saurez turned his life around to where he was even a well-meaning schoolteacher. Velasco changed in his own life by becoming a police officer to receive penance for his crimes.
Blood Out[]
While not seen in the episode, he is briefly and indirectly mentioned by Velasco. To get information on Hector Suarez, a BX9 member, he mentions a murder he saw.
King Of The Moon[]
Saurez is indirectly mentioned even further when Olivia Benson and Odafin Tutuola start an investigation into what he said to Hector. After a long time, he admits he was there, but his friend (Saurez) did it instead.
Bend The Law[]
While investigating a case involving Roger Briggs, Benson informs Velasco that she traced a woman in Maine who has been sending money to Chilli and assigns him and Churlish to investigate. As they travel, Velasco and Churlish discuss Chilli’s background. Upon questioning the woman, Elle, about the money transfers to Mexico, Velasco believes her explanation, but Churlish remains skeptical. Velasco then realizes that Chilli has been working as a teacher.
At Chili’s home, Velasco asks to speak with him, but Elle resists. Chilli eventually agrees to a conversation, explaining that he dislikes law enforcement. Velasco urges him to consider the boy still living in Juarez and reminds Chilli of the help he once gave. Chilli reflects on his past and admits that survival forced him into terrible decisions. During their talk, Velasco steers the conversation, capturing Chilli’s confession about his involvement in multiple murders on a secret recording. Signaling Churlish, Velasco allows her to leave after paying for their meal. Unfortunetly, Velasco struggles with the guilt of betraying someone he once trusted and contacts Benson for guidance.
Before he can act further, Elle confronts him at gunpoint, demanding the recording. She admits she knew Chilli had a troubled past but believed he could change. Velasco refuses to hand over the phone, apologizing for the situation. Elle eventually lowers the weapon. Later, Velasco discusses the incident with Benson, questioning the legality of what he recorded. Despite the conflict, he reveals he also uncovered two additional murders linked to Chilli. To this day, it is still unknown if Chili was imprisoned for his crimes.
